Disappointment at Busking Ban Decision

The MU is extremely disappointed by the decision of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to ban busking in certain areas and enforce these bans through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO).

Published: 18 July 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

Musician carrying guitar case outdoors. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU has a long-established and successful Busking Code of Conduct that operates both across the country and within London under the Mayor’s Busk in London initiative. It’s surprising that of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea didn’t see fit to make it work in their borough.

Additionally, PSPO’s are an unnecessary way of dealing with any problems that might arise from busking. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended by the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993), gives all the powers that are needed if there is a noise nuisance and the potential criminalisation via a PSPO is overly heavy handed.

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