In Brisbane, the 'busking auditions' for the highly priced 'busking licence' attract dozens, if not hundreds - they give out a handful of 'licences' but I rarely ever see any buskers in the Mall (the only place busking is allowed for that licence - you have to get a separate licence for The Valley).

They did try to take away the licence for the blind guy with the dog who plays the saxophone - no, not the dog, you fool! - but there was loud public media outcry and lots of embarrassed Councillor's faces.

I think they just want to inhibit it. Also they play loud music over speakers in the mall, and each shop plays loud music that bleeds out into the mall - bleedin' 'ell!