Update on Westminster's Busking and Street Entertainment Policy

Dear stakeholders,

Following a meeting of full council on Wednesday 3 March, Westminster City Council has passed its resolution designating licensed streets for busking and street entertainment. The designation is the final part of the Westminster Busking and Street Entertainment Policy.

Thank you to everyone who has helped to inform this policy over the past three years.

The designation comes into effect from 5 April, and we will continue to keep it under review as it is implemented.

What does the policy include?

This policy sets out a code of conduct for all buskers and street entertainers in Westminster, provides guidance on self regulation and will see the centre of Westminster become a regulated area for performers. This means that from 5 April performers will need to apply for a licence in order to perform in these areas and perform only at a designated pitch.

Which areas will be regulated?

Regulated areas in central Westminster include:

• Oxford Street, Regent Street and New Bond Street
• Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown and Leicester Square
• Covent Garden
• Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Charing Cross, Embankment & The Strand

A full list of regulated areas can be found in our policy document.

How can I apply for a licence?

Licensing applications will be available online from mid March, ahead of the designation coming into effect on 5 April. Please note that national coronavirus guidance should be adhered to at all times when performing at your pitch, which currently prevents members of the public gathering as an audience and requires a risk assessment when two or more people perform together.

Council officers will provide updated guidance on busking during the coronavirus emergency period in the Busking and Street Entertainment Forum.

What is included in the code of conduct?

The Westminster Busking and Street Entertainment Code of Conduct includes seven key principles for all performers to follow. These are:

• Safety first
• Performance hours
• Avoid causing a nuisance
• Don't cause an obstruction
• Co-operate with Authorised Officers and the Police
• Only sell merchandise if you have permission
• Talk to the council and the local community, and use the Forum

How can I find out more?

Further information on the consultation can be found at westminster.gov.uk/busking, with the policy document available here. If you have any questions, please email streetentertainment@westminster.gov.uk - note that this mailbox will be monitored until 15th March 2021.

Many thanks,
The Busking and Street Entertainment Team

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