Buskers in a London borough known for its music scene could find themselves dancing to the tune of the town hall for the first time.
Camden council, one of the few authorities not to insist on a licence for busking, is set to consult residents on the future of street performing after complaints about noise.
It is looking at limiting the hours buskers can play, a ban on amplifiers and drum kits, and designated performing areas.
In London, busking is illegal only in the City, but most boroughs ask street performers to register and some charge between £10 and £20 for a permit. Buskers said “the soul of Camden will die” if licences are introduced there.
Jamie Oughton, 20, warned: “The Rolling Stones used to play just over there under that tree. Other bands will not be discovered if the council start bringing in licences. If a resident complained to me, I would stop straight away.”
Felipe Ibarz, 22, from Barcelona, said foreign musicians would be put off by any licensing scheme because of the language barrier.
Abdul Hai, cabinet member for community safety at Camden, said it would consider all responses to the consultation.
