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: 2 – Ranking 7th
— Busking is legal.
— There are specific areas that feature special programs (e.g. Fisherman’s Wharf) but the city itself does not have any special strategy for busking.
— There is no mandatory licence (though there seems to be some sort of confusion among buskers about the bureaucracy).
— Amplification is allowed with a permit at a very high price ($498 per year).
— There are no strict regulations when it comes to curfew, duration and equipment used in the performance.
— Interestingly, the city has a well-established program for street artists (painters and crafters) and there is even an organisation taking care of these issues. However, there is limited support and services from the authorities when it comes to busking. You can find them here; http://www.pier39.com/home/events/street-performers-2/.