Dave Flawse

Special to The Record

Local accordion player Jon Cunningham has been silenced by the Town of Comox, after being turned down for a busking permit.

鈥淚鈥檝e been playing there for the last couple of years without a licence,鈥� admits Cunningham. 鈥淚 decided to go get the licence and they turned me down saying I was too loud.鈥�

Town of Comox deputy corporate administrator Shelly Russworm said the busking bylaw is enforced based on the number of noise complaints a musician receives.

Accordion players aren鈥檛 allowed to busk in the town of Comox because based on the bylaw they make too much noise, says Russworm. Unacceptable noise in the bylaw is defined as 鈥渁ny noise or sound that disturbs the quiet peace rest or enjoyment comfort or convenience of any person in the vicinity.鈥�

鈥淚 don鈥檛 understand why there鈥檚 so many people complaining,鈥� said Cuningham. 鈥淏ecause from what I鈥檝e been noticing there鈥檚 a lot more people like it than hate it.鈥�

Since the Town of Comox won鈥檛 give him a licence, Cunningham says he will play in the town and give all his earnings to charity.

He鈥檚 been playing accordion for 30 years says he鈥檚 not doing it for the money. But busking does 鈥渉elp pay for food or if I need gas to get to work.鈥�