Buskers are about as synonymous with Leicester Square as the outrageous crowds that you have to wade through in order to watch them. I mean, it’s pretty hard to imagine wandering through the heart of tourist-town without being serenaded by the sweet(ish) sounds of someone busking, isn’t it? But unfortunately – as of today – you won’t need to use your imagination, as a busking ban has now officially come in to playfollowing a recent court ruling.
The two Leicester Square busking pitches have been suspended until further notice. The magistrate ruling came after noise complaints were raised by Global Radio. Westminster City Council was ‘left with no choice’ but to enforce the controversial busking ban and has said it’s been put in ‘an impossible position’ as it continues to attempt to strike the right balance for all parties involved.
The ban (which officially began today) applies to both licensed and unlicensed street entertainers. Buskers caught breaking the rules could be subjected to fines, license removals, or equipment seizure. The Musicians’ Union urged the council to appeal the court’s decision, and it is understood that the council is currently exploring its grounds of appeal. But until further notice, all street performers – from magicians to mimes and everyone in between – will have to vacate the affected area.
Westminster City Councillor Matt Noble said: “Street performers are a much-loved part of our city’s identity, but we also have to balance this with a duty to protect residents and businesses. The court ruling gives us no choice—we now have a legal obligation to act.”
“This is categorically not a ban on street performers in Westminster. Our next step is to comply with the ruling by suspending street performance pitches in Leicester Square, consider the court ruling and find a fair solution.”
You can read more about the Leicester Square busking ban here.
