'Loud' Busking To Be Banned On Busy Melb CBD Street; No, It's Somehow Not A Joke

Amplified busking is set to be banned on a busy CBD street in Melbourne next month, after the City Of Melbourne claim to have been forced to act on hundreds of noise complaints they've received in recent years.

As Herald Sun reports, a three-month trial of banning "amplified performances" will be put in place on Swanston Street from 1 August and the chances of it becoming permanent is very real. 

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle claims that the City Of Melbourne has received 264 noise complaints about buskers between January 2013 and June 30 this year.

"Busking contributes to the vibrancy of Melbourne’s streets and is generally popular with residents, workers and visitors," Doyle said in a statement.

"However that needs to be balanced with protecting the amenity of people who live and work in the city.

"We hope designating Swanston Street as a non-amplified busking zone reduces the number of complaints we receive. We will reassess our position after the trial’s conclusion."

A report and recommendations on the future of amplified busking will be provided to Council by December 2016.

Buskers applying for permits will receive information about the trial while maps and other information can be found on the City Of Melbourne website.

The ruling also extends from Flinders Lane to La Trobe Street, though amplified busking will still be allowed from 10am-6pm on Sundays on the corner of Little Collins Street.

Frequent Swanston Street busker Kier Stevens has slammed the call.

"You need an amp because acoustic music, like just playing guitar, can’t get above the trams," Stevens said.

"Music adds to the city, it’s really good."

The news comes just months after a crowd watching a Sydney busker perform booed away a local who demanded the music be turned down.