BUSKERS and street performers are to be given one "yellow card" warning and then face being fined for antisocial behaviour in a new evening clampdown in the Scottish capital.
Police Scotland and Edinburgh City Council said such performers are "very much part of the fabric of the capital throughout the year but particularly through the festival season".
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Performers are been told not to perform or play using amplifiers after 9pm.
Those who choose to perform at a level that is not acceptable can expect to receive a "yellow card" warning followed by a fixed penalty notice should they continue to cause annoyance.
They could also have their equipment seized if they are found busking antisocially, police said.
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Council wardens and community police officers are already engaging with buskers to ensure that they can perform whilst keeping disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum.
Ian Campbell, of vice-convener of Edinburgh's culture and communities committee, said: “Even though street performers aren’t legally required to be licensed by the council, they are expected to stick to our guidelines and we are engaging with buskers and setting the tone so everyone can live work and visit in harmony."
Inspector David Robertson said: “We have dozens of responsible buskers who come to Edinburgh at various times during the year and entertain the crowds – but it is those who cause disruption and annoyance who we are showing the yellow card to."
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Jilly MacLeod, a city centre resident, said that "there has to be a balance between the needs of residents and those of the buskers, especially since the widespread use of amplifiers".
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