Agenda item

Voluntary Code of Practice for Buskers and Street Entertainers

Minutes:

The Licensing Manager introduced a report that sought approval for a new code of practice for buskers and street entertainers, which had been updated following the discussion at the last meeting of the Licensing Committee and subsequent consultation.

 

It was a voluntary code as there was no legislation outside of London to regulate or control buskers or street entertainers.  The Code, if adopted, would provide best practice guidance and information for such performers to act in a manner to promote and enhance the vibrancy of the town centre. 

 

In response to questions from Members, it was confirmed that there was no requirement for the Council to adopt a code of practice, although authorities such as Reading and Oxford had already agreed a policy, and as it was a voluntary arrangement rather than a licence, there were limited options for enforcement.

 

It was proposed that the policy be reviewed annually and Members requested that the report to Committee next year included information on the effectiveness of the code and any significant incidents that had arisen.  At the conclusion of the discussion, the draft code as set out in the appendix was approved.

 

Resolved –

 

(a)  That the draft Code of Practice for Buskers and Street Entertainers, as at Appendix A  to the report, be approved.

 

(b)  That the Code by reviewed annually from the date of publication.

Supporting documents: