Save Edinburgh Buskers!

## The Issue

Edinburgh is well known as one of the capitals of the world when it comes to busking and street performance. In fact, research by Visit Scotland shows that it is one of the biggest draws to the city which welcomes **4 million visitors annually**.

Due to lobbying by a vociferous minority, the council is currently looking into the possibility of bylaws to impose damaging restrictions or potentially even **completely ban busking**.

## Our Position

We accept that there are occasional instances where busking causes a genuine disturbance, but police already have powers to move on any performers with 'reasonable cause' under **Section 54 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act**.

Thus, by definition, any extension of powers will only encourage officers to target those who are NOT a problem. Experience tells us these extensions will simply cause greater conflict, and will prove to be **costly, bureaucratic and ineffective**.

## A Collaborative Approach

The performers' community in Edinburgh has offered to work with the council many times over the past few years to help manage the situation and effectively enforce the existing legislation where necessary.

Our door is still open to a collaborative approach, but we need guarantees that Edinburgh's streets will remain **open, inviting and inclusive places** for us to bring colour and perform.

## Take Action

Please sign this petition so we can send a strong message to Edinburgh this summer.

**#LoveEdinburghBuskers**