Have Your Say: New Standards for Buskers

Dear Members,
Have Your Say on proposals for new standards for busking, as described in the email below, forwarded by Westminster Council. 
The consultation period will remain open until the 14^th April. Comments can be submitted via the Concil's dedicated consultation platform on the webpage at www.westminster.gov.uk/street-entertainment-licensing.

"I am writing inform you about the start of the councils consultation on our busking and street entertainment licensing regime. This consultation outlines several proposals for revising and augmenting the council’s licensing policy, standard conditions, and code of conduct under this regime.

Additionally, we are proposing changes to the amplified pitch in Leicester Square following significant issues relating to noise nuisance to local businesses. These proposals stem from the review conducted on this regime last year which considered the regimes approach and associated policy.  The busking and street entertainment licensing regime has been operational for nearly three years.  The proposals within this consultation are intended to implement most of the recommendations for the review report which are intended to refine and clarify the council’s approach to this scheme, while also addressing issues and feedback from stakeholders.

The consultation proposals include:

- Introducing new policies, standard conditions, and code of conduct concerning child performers and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

- Adding a new policy regarding the council's stance on royalty liabilities and making false statements within the licensing process.

- Implementing a new standard condition regarding the behaviour of buskers and street entertainers, along with an amendment to an existing provision in the code regarding cooperation between licensees, council officers, and the police.

- Removing permission for buskers and street entertainers to use amplification from the North East pitch within Leicester Square.

- Enhancing the existing policy on Performer Regulation and Street Performers Associations, as well as amending the current code of conduct provision related to the busking and street entertainment forum.

- Making other minor revisions or additions as necessary.

In response to feedback received from various stakeholders during the review process, we have initiated an engagement exercise to gather opinions on existing busking and street entertainment pitches. This engagement seeks feedback on the suitability of existing pitches, including their location, size, terms, and conditions. We also welcome input on any accessibility issues for disabled performers and suggestions for potential new pitch sites across the city.

We have received feedback from buskers, street entertainers, and other stakeholders who have not applied for a licence, indicating that some of our standard conditions may inadvertently act as barriers to obtaining a licence. We invite input from buskers, street entertainers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our standard conditions for these licences are reasonable, proportionate, and free from ambiguity in their interpretation. Our goal is to remove any barriers and ensure the conditions are fair.

The consultation period will remain open until the 14^th April. Comments can be submitted via our dedicated consultation platform, accessible through the council’s webpage at www.westminster.gov.uk/street-entertainment-licensing.

Should you have any specific inquiries, please feel free to contact a member of the policy team via our dedicated email address:licensingconsultation@westminster.gov.uk.

Thank you for your participation and engagement in this important process.

Kind regards

Kerry

Mr Kerry Simpkin

Head of Licensing, Place & Infrastrucutre Policy

My pronouns are he/him.

(Please note that my working week is Tuesday to Friday)

Innovation and Change

Westminster City Council 

17th Floor 

​64, Victoria Street

London SW1E 6QP"