December 23, 2022

Who Presses the Play Button?


Who Presses the Play Button?
Screenshot of street performers playing music in St. Petersburg. Real Russia, YouTube.

The St. Petersburg city council passed a law cracking down on street musicians' performances, requiring them to have permission from city authorities. The law will take effect May 1.

Initially proposed in 2020 by United Russia Party member Denis Chetyrbok, the bill was finally approved on December 14. The bill divides the city into three musical zones: one where no amplification equipment is allowed, a second where equipment up to 500 watts is allowed, and a third where equipment over 500 watts may be used. The fine for violation of the regulation will be R40,000 ($617). 

Sponsors of the law claim it will maintain public order and safety, protect green spaces and the landscape of the city, help decide on "appropriate" music, and help musicians coordinate who performs where.

The Yabloko and Just Russia political parties proposed a website to book spaces in real-time, as Moscow musicians already have, as a way to avoid government oversight, but the initiative was rejected.

Musicians must apply for their permit fifteen days prior to their performance.

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