A SCOTTISH campaign group has called for background music in shops, bars and restaurants to be banned, claiming that it is a violation of shoppers’ and diners’ human rights.

Quiet Scotland, a group linked to the English ‘Pipe Down’ campaign, says that background music can make it difficult for the hard of hearing or elderly or autistic people to go shopping or out for a meal.

The group has launched feedback cards for customers to give to business owners, telling them if they should be quieter.

An investigation by the Evening Times’ sister title The Herald found two shops in Glasgow were playing music at more than 80 decibels, which is the volume at which employers must provide hearing protection under European law.

JD Sports and Tartan House of Scotland, both on Buchanan Street, both played music at 82 decibels.

Anne Wellman, 65, who is the group’s treasurer, said:“Think of the types of music you don’t like, and then have that blasted at you when you’re trying to eat. Because that’s mostly the case.

“I would make a comparison with the anti-smoking campaign. There was a point at which that was laughed at, and then it reached a tipping point when people actually started to agree,” she said.

“We do see it as a transgression of a human right.”