There is a great deal of variation between the amount of regulation different cities impose on busking. There are also differences in how strictly that regulation is enforced.

In many cases there is a conflict of interest between policy makers and street performers when it comes to the policies adopted. As part of this research, we want to highlight the perspective of buskers towards these policies and refer to the difficulties that they face in some cases.

The following sixteen reports on key focus cities illustrate many of the different regulatory approaches to busking. They assess how strictly the regulations are applied in the featured cities and contain feedback on the effects of the regulations from buskers.

The reports are listed alphabetically. First by country and then by city for those countries in which more than one city is featured. Each city is given a grade or score which is the combined value of the factors and regulations governing busking in that city.

Busking Policy

Grade: -3 – Ranking 12th

— The situation has just changed from no-regulation to a strict regulation scheme.

— Busking is considered legal.

— Licence is mandatory and there is a fee of £19 per year.

—  A special busking licence is available for £47 where a performer wants a change in thestandard conditions.

— Amplification is prohibited.

— There are restrictions on the allowed equipment (drums, wind instruments).

— There is a potentially high fine of up to £1000 for contraventions.

— Seizure of equipment is allowed as a punishment measure.

—  The regulations have been developed without any participation from the local busking community who strongly oppose the new rules.