Busking permits (in various locations)

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,biff
Date: 06 Nov 09 - 03:28 PM

go to your local boro/police station

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: meself
Date: 06 Nov 09 - 03:33 PM

Or phone the municipal offices. Or find their website and search out "busking" or "buskers".

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,oleandr
Date: 27 May 10 - 04:41 AM

Hey there! I was recently busking in Stockholm, Sweden. Playing acoustic mondolin in Gamla Stan, central part of the city, when all of a sudden, was taken by the police, brought to the police station and after keeping me there for two days, sent back to my home country, though my documents were ok and my being in the country was legal. Police said that busking is illegal in Sweden, and by the law, its the same as begging. Did anybody have that kind of experience in Sweden or somewhere else in Europe_

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Bardan
Date: 27 May 10 - 06:39 PM

In italy it's normally by 'commune'. I think Piemonte has an over all law that allows it throughout. If you're polite, the worst that happens is they move you on. Don't bother with Rome. Tuscany and Emilia Romagna are good in my experience but the legality varies from town to town. Ferrara was particularly relaxed about it. The police in Parma appreciate the music and tell you with exquisite politeness to move on while moaning about the stupidity of the rule.

Spain is generally fine in my experience. I think you technically have to get a permit, but no-one bothers and even the council employees and police don't seem sure in most towns. The only exceptions were Santiago de compostella and the area around Malaga/Marbella where they tell you to bugger off and apparently confiscate your instrument if they catch you again.

German towns generally allow it but tend to have rules on when and where you can play. By and large, if you move every hour or so and don't play between noon and four in the afternoon you're fine.

I never had any trouble in Denmark or Sweden. I got the impression busking wasn't allowed, but decent quality music seemed to impress people a lot and the police were fairly relaxed. Mind you I might have just been lucky and I left Stockholm quickly cos the hats were utter shit. Malmo and Lund are good. Helsingor and helsingborg are good as well.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: Old Grizzly
Date: 27 May 10 - 07:23 PM

Why not try googling ?

eg search Eastbourne +busking

this gives immediate info on the council website.

Tried this for a few places and plenty have some info available

Dave

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,a person raising money for a honduras missio
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 06:36 PM

does anyone know if it is illegal to busk in mooresville NC or in birkdale village located in huntersville NC. and or if you can get a permit to play in those areas. -and charlotte?

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,mattesinfo
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 02:02 PM

Hi guys! what about Barcelona? do I have to get a license? did anybody busk recently in Ramblas or other strategic places?...I busked in Dublin, it's been wonderful and I hope it will be so in Barcelona too!

thank you!

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,jack
Date: 11 Oct 10 - 06:21 AM

I want to know the rules on busking in ireland. derry to be precise, u know permits age length of time, that sort of thing and what happens if you dont obey the rules

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,mike the minstrel
Date: 16 Oct 10 - 07:15 AM

I have fully researched a guide to busking law in the uk as part of my degree in popular music.
It has been endorsed officially by wakefield police, as a national guide.
I have had numerous apologies since challenging different organisations and they all promise never to do it again.

I find that you often have to explain the law to the police and council officials and then they never bother you again.
You can read the guide here

Busking and UK Law

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jun 11 - 04:19 PM

[e-mail].I think the Gamla Stan has times of the day you can play,but if you were legal in the country the police had no right to arrest or deport you,as it was legalised in the 70 s,by famous busker Don Partridge after he was also arrested in Stockholm.It was known as Dons law.2010 was the year that Swedens facist party came to power in a coalision goverment.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Peter C
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 06:34 AM

There is a brief guide to the UK position on the Glosfolk web site here

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Solracu
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 02:51 AM

Hi I'm looking to see wht the rules are about busking along Venice Beach in Venice, CA. so far I ahven't found any info to tell me how to be able to perform there. Can anyone give me a hand?
thanks Carlos

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 03:16 AM

Hi, Carlos-
Venice Beach has been a very popular place for buskers for a long, long time - but I think you have to get a permit from the City of Los Angeles (Venice is part of the City of LA). This page says a lottery started in 2005 for monthly permits for 40 spots for performers and 60 spots for vendors. Might be an idea to get started sometime other than during the summer, when permits might be likely to be scarce.
There are lots of small towns along the beach in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Most likely, each independent city issues its own permits - don't restrict yourself just to Venice. Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Hermosa Beach are likely places. I know the beaches in Los Angeles County quite well In Orange County, I'd try Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Balboa and Newport Beach, and maybe Seal Beach. In San Diego County, La Jolla and Mission Beach are good bets - I don't know about the north part of the county. I can't say whether all of these places permit buskers, but I've been to all of them and found them to be places that would be conducive to busking, if it's allowed.
Would you believe that I went to most of these places on official business as a federal government investigator....can't say I minded that part of my job at all.

Good luck!

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Stephen
Date: 23 Nov 11 - 03:47 PM

In Boulder, Colorado, USA you don't need a permit. I've been busking on the Pearl Street Mall for the last couple of years. People there don't really care about ability either. I played in Cremona Italy for about an hour. Didn't make much (there's a different standard on violinists there...), but had no issues with the police there.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 12 - 05:00 PM

Try busking on PRIVATE property (with permission)next to the crowds. I've never been told to stop playing my violin when on private property.

Once you are a fixture on private property- and the police like your routine, -try moving to a public area nearby. Chances are you'll be left alone also. The worst that can happen is a policeman will politely let you know what the rules are in that city.

Don't go to city hall first. Play on private property. The police will never arrest you on private property. They'll just figure that you don't know the rules in the city. If it's near a movie theatre, don't ever ask for permission. It's better to ask for forgiveness, than ask for permission. The worst that can happen (especially if an owner likes your performance)is you'll be asked to leave.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,GUEST - Montreal
Date: 13 Jan 12 - 12:08 PM

Montreal - permit needed for street busking. No amplifiers or percussion ("Spoonman" being an exception - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B6BRfQoxLw ). Place Jacques-Cartier is a restricted area. Metro - (optional - but encouraged) permit and audition needed from a "union" of Metro performers. You can only perform in authorized areas in Metro stations. At the opening time of the Metro (5:30 am), potential performers fill out schedules at the most desireable locations (the schedule is always tucked behind the "authorized area" sign, so it can be modified). Less desireable locations often have time slots available throughout the day. Members of the "union" have priority, but non-members might be able to find a spot.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,guest Jazzer V
Date: 19 Jan 12 - 02:22 PM

We want to busk in Barcelona in April. Anyone know the exact address to apply for the permit? All I know is that in 2011 permits were free and that the council give you a timetable.I'd be very grateful for any advice...

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Bagpipes
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 07:38 PM

I'm also looking for advice on busking in northern Spain this summer, particularly Zaragoza and San Sebastian. Any tips on permits/how worthwhile it is to bust these areas?

Our tips for Milan, Italy - my boyfriend made a fortune playing bagpipes in central Milan, near the cathedral and main square. You have to go to the police station close to Duomo/San Babila metro, give your details, pay a very small amount and book your slots for the week. They give you a paper permit which you can show to police (they do tend to check permits quite regularly but you'll normally get away without having one if it's the first time they've seen you, play the dumb tourist)

Subject: RE: busking rules
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Mar 12 - 06:54 PM

What age must I be to be a busker in Illinois.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 12 - 04:38 AM

Can anyone tell me please what is the current situation with street perfomances in Amsterdam? I've heard that a license is recuired if I want to play more than 30 minutes and my band includes percussion. They say also that this license is given to EU-citizens only, is that true?

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 May 12 - 01:40 PM

SOMEONE KNOWS ABOUT THE REGULATIONS FOR BUSKERS IN PRAGUE ! THANK YOU

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 May 12 - 01:50 PM

I'm in the US. Never had a permit, have never been asked for one, wouldn't pay a red cent for one if they were required.

I am sure there are places where such things are required, but, as someone mentioned some time ago, it's ALWAYS easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

I try not to block a doorway or any part of the sidewalk that would force people to have to go around me, and over 20 years I've never had an issue, and that after having performed in several states.

Good luck,

Big

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,b
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 10:20 AM

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jun 12 - 04:26 PM

Last time I was in Amsterdam they'd stopped the buskers in the main drag becasue of pickpockets

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Lee Rice
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 03:44 AM

I am so pleased I found this site. I'm new to busking and I've only busked Milan and Sondrio. I'm trying Malaga next week.
Its great to get some tips, I won't be looking for any permits and I've already been moved on a few times but then just setup 100 meters away with zero problems.
Be free to enjoy music everywhere I say :)

Peace out

Lee

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: ollaimh
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 11:58 AM

i busked for decades in north americas, my european busking is so old it doesn't count--1975ish.

i had a toronto subway licance for over a decade, it was sometimes very good, with a few poor years. the regulations have gotten more restrictive over the years. bureaucrats with noting to do will make busy work, and the toronto transit commission has lots of senior bureaucrats with nothing to do, there was even a local scadal that the council member who was ttc chair was having sex in his office during office hours. an orwellian world(the councillor reswigned and quit politicsa).

however as marion said unlicanced buskers can do well in the subway . they have to be polite. many show up and view the licenced buskers as "the man" and swear and intimidate. that will get you to the police real quick. i used to hlpe the nice ones. there are lots of stations were the buskers are no longer allowed to play that are very good money and nice crowds. if you play them in rotation the odds of running into the same police officers is low and if they only see you occasionally they may kick you out but they won't charge you.

there are also many neighbourhoods in toronto where busking right on the street is decent, although not as good as the best subay spots. i used to carry a mandolin everywhere just in case in toronto.

now be aware if you are an immigrant the local born have a powerfull sense of entitlement and will do pretty much any dirty trick to try and get you to leave except violence--toronto anglos are usually cowardly. you hear a lot of self righteous bull shit from them but about how they are owed.among the licenced buskers they even formed a buskers union which kicked me out for talking about the threats and dirty tricks. can't talk back to the anglos in toronto.i can't over state the toronto anglo bigotry--just ignore them and do your thing, they have no self awareness at all and you can't reason with them.(but most don't last long and the ones that do are easily out manouvered) however the good news are these types although prevelant are dumb and incompetent. if you get to know the spots and befriend the nice players you will be able to do well with or without a licence. if you have a good act you will be ble to live totally on busking--i did it many years.with or without a licence.

toronto is also a bif city and you see wired stuff but its one of the most polite and law abiding city in the world, so it is very safe for buskers, not true in some american cities.

i used to play vancouver sanfranscisco and seattle a lot as well , and cities in between. most american cities with a local university have a corner with a coffee shop book store and record store near the university. i have always done well on that corner right out on the street. san franscisco can be fantastic, but you have to line up for the great spots in the market. seattle is good at pike street market and i met some great and nfun musicians there. including a guy who used to display a sign saying:"saving for a hooker". ya gotta love a sarcastic busker--the cloying thing does get old.


vancouver had a licanec system as well and they have had changes due to socan fees. you'd have to ask about that. the liquor stores used to be great though, and some neighbourhoods are good out on the street.however they have an increacing homelessness and poverty problem, which can be trouble. the down and outs are not together enough to reason with .

i have retired and moved to rural new brunswick. it's boring but i can use some boredom. after years of husstling for a buck i like my boredom

i used to dream about getting a van and touring europe, but sigh not now. now i am learning ancient wire strung gaelic harp and lute. and doing a lot of meditation

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: meself
Date: 10 Nov 12 - 01:13 PM

I like my boredom and my bitterness.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,how about Turky??
Date: 14 Nov 12 - 07:40 AM

I want to perform as a liveing statue in Turky, anybody knows something about that is there need for licance ??? Thanks

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 12 - 08:00 AM

I'm going to try busking too. I sing and play ukulele and guitar. In addition I write poetry and tell stories but I don't think that spoken word will work too well in town centres. I have just picked up my application form for Stockton-on-Tees - I need to get two passport photos and then hand in the form. I'm keen to get practical advice.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Rob1964b
Date: 05 Jan 13 - 10:09 AM

Its easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. You can waste a lot of time trying to get permits and stuff. If people are enjoying your performance then no-one will complain.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: paul vaughan
Date: 26 Nov 13 - 02:06 PM

I thought I'd tag this onto this thread. My mate Danny was busking in Seaford today when he was asked to move on by the Police following a "complaint". Luckily he had his camcorder handy, watch this for a wonderful example of how to handle the Police in these situations!

Danny politely declines a polite request

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Knoxvillian
Date: 16 Oct 14 - 06:38 PM

In Knoxville TN it is legal and appreciated. Market square is the place. Years ago someone was arrested for busking in Knoxville, and the mayor came out and made a statement saying that Country Music is a part of the heritage of Tennessee and Knoxville, TN and so he made busking legal FOREVER. Go KNOXVILLE.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 17 Oct 14 - 03:10 AM

I can only tell ,you about England and southern Ireland. In England the law is rather vague, basically it's a goood idea to phone the police just to ask in each area, usually it's no problem, though the tend to warn that if you cause a large crowd you miht be asked to move on. In Birmingham city centre over the X'mas period, you may now be asked to audition and be assigned to a certain spot!

In Southern Ireland, it's a buskers paradise. Not only is it legal but warmly encouraged. There, if you cause a large crowd, ot only will you NOT be moved on, but the crowd may be moved. It used to be a sort of unwritten law that if a musician walked into a pub, he be given food and a free drink and a bed for the night. I have actually walked into 2 bars in Kilkenny and been given a free drink in the lsst couple of years. And I know of one backpackers hostel in central Dublin where, if you perform for an hour you get free accomodation. You can earn quite good money too there, such generous people

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: a gud ole bwoy
Date: 25 Oct 14 - 12:01 PM

Way back someone asked about busking in Cambridge UK. Yep it's still a license free city but there are a lot of other buskers so you have to be very good or very different to make any money. There is now a group called Cambuskers, they have a facebook page, who organise buskers for some of the Cambridge festivals but not all. On festival days it'll be the other buskers and busking organisers who'll be asking you to move from Cambridge Council agreed festival busking sites, the police don't get involved. But if you are asked to shift it will be done in the polite, well mannered way that is Cambridge.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Molly
Date: 24 Sep 15 - 10:50 AM

Does anybody know the rules for busking in Portugal? In the Algarve at the moment and need to know the rules for busking with an amp, we don't want it being confiscated or having to pay a fine!

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST,Josi
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 12:50 PM

Busking in Scotland is allowed without any licence as long as you don't sell anything - only 'donations' are permitted

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 20 Jun 16 - 06:07 PM

I want to perform as a liveing statue in Turky, anybody knows something about that is there need for licance ???

I doubt there's any need for a licence, there are too many buskers of different kinds doing it.

But. Be a bit sensitive. A lot of buskers are trying to live from it, and the pickings aren't great. Read Geert Mak's excellent book "The Bridge" for an insight into their lives. And the Istanbul municipality (maybe others?) organizes bands of blind musicians, who tend to get good permanent spots and who certainly have no possibility of other income. Interfere with them and you would get no sympathy from me if you got into trouble.


Busking in Scotland is allowed without any licence as long as you don't sell anything - only 'donations' are permitted

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh, between the Tron and St Giles, is an exception during the Festival. There is probably no legal basis for the way the council allocates time and space for performers there, but it would be a waste of time arguing. If you don't have an official booking you will get the boot.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 21 - 04:15 AM

To be safe in most cities that frown on buskers, I start by playing THE GODFATHER on my violin. Then switch to Vivaldi's SPRING first movement I play those in a vacant store entrance off the sidewalk.By the time I finish the concertmaster's first solo in the Vivaldi, I have gathered quite a crowd (in the case of NYC-about 150 listeners on B'way) Probably the biggest crowd I've ever had was there. It was there on B'way, that the most attention I've ever gathered was when I moved out to the sidewalk next to the street and an ambulance pulled up next to me and the driver positioned his hand held microphone out his window next to my violin and I could see pedestrians blocks away looking around trying to figure out where the violinist was !

After years of busking , you get to know where to begin playing. Of course you take in the foot traffic and the acoustics. I don't use any amplification. People aren't going to come hear you unless they are close by and it's convenient and they are drawn by the presence of onlookers (onlisteners).I don't dress up with a tux or tails. A cooler time of day in the spring, like late afternoon, summer or fall-I play better in a nice sweater and that keeps listeners around longer.

These days, my best tips and most interest I gather from cars, waiting for a green light. I stand nest to the right hand turn lane and sit on a stool a foot from the street. Passengers or drivers roll down their window as far as 15 cars back and maybe listening for up to a minute for the light to change, I always have a captive audience, even without amplification. A right turn lane at the exit from a Walmart or the like,during heavy shopping hours is the best.

As far as cities and locations which are going to give you a hard time. I begin playing on the public sidewalk near a drug store, party store or any store with a fair amount of traffic. The store should have an enclosed walk-in entrance (foyer) area which is owned by the store. I'll play on the sidewalk for a short time until a get a small crowd and play loud enough so the store owner or manager can hear me and see the crowd I have gathered. I will then go in and ask if I could play in his foyer area. A "yes" is the invitation that should keep the city off my back. As long as there is enough room to perform and allow customers to easily enter the store. Outside of movie theaters works well for me also. Best not to overdo the amplification, if any.

Hope this is helpful to you.
.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 May 21 - 04:56 AM

guest are you in a country that drives on the right hand side

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 May 21 - 12:14 PM

So adjust the advice for those that drive on the left, Dick. Big deal.

Subject: RE: Busking permits (in various locations)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 May 21 - 05:24 PM

GUEST has a good idea there. I wonder what request numbers you have to have handy in places where the crime syndicate that owns the local police force isn't Italian? What do the Hong Kong Triads or Russian gang bosses like?