Street performers could soon be forced to turn their volume down following noise complaints from nearby businesses.

St Albans City and District Council have launched a consultation on a draft code of practice for busking in St Peter’s Street, in St Albans.

The council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee are reviewing busking in the area in a bid to protect shoppers and businesses from being disturbed by repetitive and excessive performances.

If the new code of practice goes ahead, musicians will not have music or their voice amplified to a level that can be heard beyond a distance of 30 metres.

They will instead reduce the volume of music, singing or shouting if asked to do so by an authorized officer, along with taking regular breaks

They will also not be able to set up a pitch within 50 metres of another busker, as well as use amplification or drums, trumpets or other loud instruments or otherwise cause noise nuisance.

Joe Tavernier, head of Community Services at the council, said: “Busking performances are enjoyed by visitors to St Albans and contribute to a vibrant city centre.

“The council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee decided to look at busking following a couple of complaints from businesses about noise. This consultation aims to find out if people think that busking should be controlled in some way and whether the draft code of practice for buskers, is the most appropriate way to do this.

Feedback from the consultation will be considered by Licensing and Regulatory Committee later this year.”

The draft code of practice for busking is available on the Council’s website, along with a response form that can be completed and emailed to licensing@stalbans.gov.uk.

Alternatively, a completed form can be posted to St Albans City and District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE.

The deadline for contributing to the consultation is June 12.

http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/yourviews/consultations/default.aspx

Do you think buskers are too loud? Email your thoughts to rachel.russell@london.newsquest.co.uk