Appendix 1 - Responsible Busking Code of Conduct
Perth and Kinross Council · 17 June 2026
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Appendix 1 Responsible Busking – Code of Conduct Perth and Kinross Council Perth and Kinross Council recognises the vibrancy and positive contribution that buskers and street entertainers bring to the city centre. To ensure performances can be enjoyed by everyone, buskers are asked to comply with the following Code of Conduct. This Code has been developed to prevent busking from: Becoming intrusive or a nuisance (for example through loud, continuous, or repetitive noise) Obstructing pedestrians, businesses, or city centre residents Under Section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, Police Scotland may require a busker to stop performing if the performance is causing disturbance. Failure to comply may result in referral to the Procurator Fiscal and seizure of equipment. Code of Conduct Busking is permitted Monday to Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm, and Sunday, 12:30pm – 5:00pm. Noise (music, instruments, or voice) must not be so loud that it can be clearly heard at a distance of 50 metres. Amplification must not be used unless prior permission has been granted by Perth and Kinross Council. Drumming must only form a minor part of any performance. Perth and Kinross Council has two designated busking zones: Zone One - Between Next (111-119 High Street, PH1 5NU) and Marks & Spencer, (75-85 High Street, PH1 5TJ) – 89 Meters from location one to location two. Zone 2 – King Edward Street, outside Debenhams. High Street Location 1 to Waterstones (King Edward Street, PH1 5UX) – 93 meters from Location to one to Waterstones Only one performer or act may perform in each zone at any one time. A performer must not perform for longer than two hours in any one location and must not return to the same location for at least three hours. Performers must not obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles (including pavements and pedestrianised areas), nor allow an audience to do so.
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Access to shops and premises must be kept clear at all times. Street furniture (including lampposts, benches, and bins) must not be used. No signs inviting payment may be displayed. The sale of merchandise, including CDs or DVDs, is not permitted. Busking must not take place near bank ATMs, due to the risk of obstruction or perceived intimidation. Performers must immediately stop performing if requested to do so by a police officer or council enforcement official. The appearance and quality of the act should demonstrate a positive intention to entertain passers-by. Performances that solicit money through sympathy are not permitted and may be required to stop. Perth and Kinross Council enforcement officers monitor the city centre throughout the day and will challenge any buskers found to be in breach of this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains up to date and effective. Revisions may also be made at any time in response to legislative changes, organisational needs, or identified issues.