Amplification
Amplification is permitted to balance a performer's need to be clearly heard against the reasonable expectations of passers-by and people living or working in proximity.
Amplification enables performers to:
- save their voices from strain and damage
- amplify quieter instruments which are not easy to hear above ambient sound levels
- supply a backing track which provides rhythmic assistance, musical accompaniment or music backing for street theatre performances.
Amplification is only permitted with battery-powered devices. Mains-powered amplification and generator-powered batteries are prohibited.
Key points for managing sound for buskers
- Buskers need to be aware of the sound level at which they are performing.
- Buskers need to consider the qualities of the sound projected into the public space.
- Speakers should not be placed so that the sound is projected directly into open shopfronts.
- Some instruments (such as wind instruments, percussion instruments and drums) may be naturally loud enough that they do not require amplification to be heard.
Playing within the prescribed sound levels
Sound from busking activities should operate at a level where:
- it is not intrusive and a passer-by would have to strain their voice to be heard.
- it does not drown out background noise when a person is more than 30 metres from the source.
The limits have been set so the sound level of busking is slightly greater than general ambient noises and loud enough to be clearly heard above background noise.
Some louder sounds such as tram bells might interfere with busking activity. These are considered reasonable impacts, given the central city is not a dedicated performance space.
Designated maximum sound levels
For general area and circle act permits, maximum sound levels are
- 1 metre sound level: 81 dB LAeq 1 min
- 3 metre sound level: 72 dB LAeq 1 min
- 6 metre sound level: 66 dB LAeq 1 min
For Bourke Street Mall, maximum sound levels are:
- 1 metre sound level: 88 dB LAeq 1 min
- 3 metre sound level: 79 dB LAeq 1 min
- 6 metre sound level: 73 dB LAeq 1 min
To note:
- 1 metre, 3 metre and 6 metre denotes the distance from the speaker.
- 1 min denotes the measuring period.
- LAeq is the preferred sound measurement for taking an average from varying sound levels over a period of time.
Amplified busking times
The times that amplified busking is permitted varies according to the area.
In most areas, amplified busking is limited to the following times:
- 8am to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday
- 8am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday
- 8am to 11pm on the eve of public holidays.
On Southbank Promenade, between Evan Walker Bridge and Queens Bridge, amplified busking is limited to 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
In the chessboard area in front of 140 Swanston Street, amplified busking is permitted at the following times:
- 5.30pm to 10pm, Monday to Thursday
- 5.30pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday
- 8am to 10pm on Sundays.
These time limits also apply to bagpipes, drums and other instruments or performances that are naturally loud without amplification.
Some areas of the city are designated non-amplified busking zones. Refer to Busking locations for more information.
Acoustic busking
Acoustic busking can reasonably continue outside the allowed times for amplified busking. However, as the central city is a capital city zone which houses many residents, buskers will need to note the location of hotels, motels and residential buildings before deciding to busk acoustically outside the designated times.
Report an issue
Under the City of Melbourne’s Activities Local Law 2024, a permit is required for busking in a public place. We encourage buskers, retailers and residents to resolve issues amicably, with the aim of allowing the busking activity to continue. If you believe a busker is operating without a permit, breaching the conditions of their permit or acting in a disruptive manner in a public space, please let us know.
Report a busking issue
