Sound limits for Brussels street performers

The municipality of Brussels-City has extended the number of locations where street musicians and other street performers who “use sound” can legally operate, culture alderwoman Karin Lalieux announced. The number of locations is increased from 16 to 19. At the same time, street musicians will be limited to a noise level of 60 decibels.

The three new locations are Central station, Muntplein and Kunstberg. Under the new rules, a maximum of two groups of musicians may play at any one time in the Unesco zone around the Grote Markt, which includes four permitted locations: Agoraplein, the forecourt of the Sint-Niklaas and Magdalena churches and the back of the Beurs.

Other locations include Poelaertplein by the lift, Bruegel de Oudeplein under the lift, behind Sint-Katelijn church, Nieuwstraat by the Finisterre church, the esplanade of the Atomium, Emile Bockstaelplein, Warandepark and Ter Kamerenbos.

The new noise level of 60 decibels is about the equivalent of a normal conversation or background music in a restaurant and will affect mainly amplified musicians. Those failing to abide by any of the regulations could have their instruments impounded.

Music may only be played in even-numbered hours – for example, from 14.00 to 15.00 but not from 15.00 to 16.00 –  and can be played in the morning or in the afternoon, but not both. The new rules also permit the sale of CDs for the first time. 

Performers who do not use sound or music, such as jugglers or human statues, may perform wherever they like, providing they have permission from the city council in advance.