There is no ban proposed, but there is a question being asked about how far informality can go.
Perth and Kinross Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed Code of Conduct for busking in Perth city centre, seeking to define how street performance should operate within a shared urban space. The exercise is framed not as restriction, but as balance, between performers and those who live and work nearby.
Busking has long formed part of the texture of city centres, providing a visible and often informal cultural presence. The Council’s proposal acknowledges that role, describing street performance as a contributor to the atmosphere and vitality of public spaces when managed appropriately.
At the same time, the consultation follows a pattern of complaints. Concerns have been raised by businesses, residents and visitors about noise levels, obstruction of public areas, and the repeated use of particular locations for prolonged performances. These are not new tensions, but they have become sufficiently consistent to prompt a more structured response.
The proposed Code of Conduct is intended to establish clearer expectations. It would set out guidance on behaviour, performance practices, and the practicalities of operating in a busy city centre. This includes defining where busking would be permitted and the times during which it could take place, as well as outlining standards that enforcement officers could apply.
What is being tested is not the presence of busking, but its management. The Council is asking whether a more consistent framework would allow the activity to continue without undermining access, movement, or the experience of the city centre for others.
The consultation is open until 18 May 2026 and invites responses from residents, businesses, visitors and performers. The outcome will inform whether the proposed approach is adopted, and how busking is shaped in Perth going forward.
Further details and the full consultation can be accessed through the Council’s Consultation Hub:
https://consult.pkc.gov.uk
