Council draws up code of conduct for buskers

Council draws up code of conduct for buskers

by DAVID McCANN, news.scotsman.com
June 27th 2011


• Owen Moore says complaints are rare when performing on the city's streets.

Under the council-devised scheme - dubbed 'Hit the Right Note' - street entertainers will soon receive credit card-sized guidance notes outlining best practice for considerate busking in Edinburgh.

If they fail to comply, the matter can be referred to the courts and equipment seized.

Advice will be offered on playing music at respectable volumes and include instructions to move to another pitch at least 50 metres away after every two hours.

Buskers will also be urged not to perform near doorways or cashpoints and should stop performing when requested by "anyone who is inconvenienced or disturbed" by the entertainment.

Unless permission is granted by the council or Fringe Festival chiefs the use of amplifiers will be banned.

David Beckett, convener of the City Centre Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "Edinburgh is a vibrant and colourful city all year round and street entertainers add great character to our city streets. However, noise from buskers can cause distress, particularly in highly populated residential areas of the city centre.

"Noise nuisance from busking is one of the top complaints from local residents and the council has been working with police to address the problems associated with this type of antisocial behaviour. We want to ensure buskers have good, clear advice so everyone can enjoy a pleasant and entertaining local environment."

Owen Moore, 24, a professional busker and student who often performs on the Royal Mile and Rose Street, welcomed the move.

"It seems to me there's little difference from what they are doing now but I'm pleased there will be some clarification about busking here," he said.

"To be honest it's pretty rare that somebody does complain because Edinburgh is a tourist city and a pretty noisy city.

"As long as it's enforced as it is now, which seems to be in keeping with what the card says, I won't have too many complaints."

Inspector Dianne Bruce, who spearheads the city centre policing team, said: "Entertainers such as buskers add real val

ue to the atmosphere of Edinburgh City Centre, and are fantastic for furthering Edinburgh's tourism industry.

"We know, however, that it can sometimes be a different story for the local residents and business workers who can be disturbed by noise and crowds gathering.

"We came up with the idea to provide this guidance so residents and workers can have a peaceful atmosphere, while preserving Edinburgh's tradition as a hub for fantastic entertainment."

IN TUNE WITH CONSIDERATION

DO: Busk only between 9am and 9pm. Play at a considerate volume so passers-by can hear you but nearby businesses and residents are not disturbed. Move on to another pitch at least 50 metres away after two hours. Stop busking if anyone complains about what you are doing, or if asked by a police or council officer

DON'T: Set up your pitch within 50 metres of another busker. Use amplifiers unless permission has been granted by the council or Fringe. Spread out equipment or other items that could get in pedestrians' way. Busk near doorways or cashpoints. Act or speak aggressively to people asking you to stop.



Original Page: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Council-draws-up-code-of.6791803.jp

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