Enforcement action against busking
When we receive a complaint, if buskers fail to respond appropriately we'll issue a warning notice to a busker.
Once a warning notice has been issued, our Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers will investigate any further reports and a decision will be made about the enforcement action being taken, under legislation.
- A York busking byelaw states that once a busker is informed they are causing annoyance or disturbance, if they fail to make the appropriate changes there is a potential of prosecution.
- The Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 states that unreasonable and persistent behaviour which has a detrimental impact can be dealt with by way of a warning, notice, fixed penalty and a prosecution.
- The Control of Pollution Act 1974 states that under no circumstances should amplifiers be operated in the street for any purpose between the hours of 9.00pm and 8.00am; failure to comply can result in prosecution.
- Children under 14 are not allowed to busk by law.
Formal action will be taken as a last resort, where buskers have repeatedly failed to follow this guidance.
Also see
Neighbourhood Enforcement Team
Community Safety Hub
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