Buskers in the West End could need licences after outcry at noise

Buskers in some of London’s tourist hotspots face having to comply with tough new rules as officials struggle to manage the growth of street art, floating Yodas and noisy stereo systems.

Under the proposal, street entertainers in Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square would have to apply for a performance licence from Westminster council.

Local businesses described “chaos”, with “increasing noise disruption, intimidation, obstruction of premises, anti-social behaviour”.

But council officers said current rules stop them from taking “direct action” if performances pose a risk or cause disruption.

The council receives about 2,000 complaints a year about street entertainers, mostly relating to noise but also public safety. A report outlining the plan said there were also fears about exploitation of the performers. Areas of concern raised by the council include the north terrace in Trafalgar Square.

Westminster says the policy would encourage “more diversity” and ensure acts have an “equal opportunity” to perform in sought-after areas.

Performers raised concerns about the proposal, warning that licensing would be “dangerous” for freedom of expression. Francis Petrini, 25, is a regular busker in the West End and said he had met council officials to “find a solution apart from licensing”.

He admitted there had been some problems with noise but insisted most abided by the rules, adding: “The good thing about busking is that you don’t have rules. You need to respect the law, but it’s the total freedom of expression… Licensing can be dangerous for those things.”

The proposal by Westminster comes after Kensington and Chelsea said it would use public space protection orders to ban busking in some areas.

Westminster historically encouraged street entertainers to self-regulate and abide by the Busk in London code — launched by Boris Johnson when he was mayor in 2015 — that provides guidance on how to busk responsibly.

A 12-week consultation is expected to begin next month. If agreed, a year-long pilot would be applied in Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and the north terrace of Trafalgar Square.

The Standard visited Trafalgar Square yesterday and saw a performer dressed as a floating Yoda from Star Wars, two men making friendship bracelets, a singer-songwriter and three people chalking on the pavement.

Tourist Sanziana Paola, 27, said: “People are working hard to get their money even on the coldest, rainiest days. They should be protected … Some have really beautiful voices if you stop to listen.”

Cafe owner Tony Robbins, 53, added: “Those buskers are London. If they were too loud I would be the first to know.”