Agenda item

The Committee to receive a report on the proposed Street Entertainment Policy, followed by a discussion with expert witnesses.

6.1      Councillor Adams and Sara Sutton, Director of Public Protection & Licensing introduced the report, advising the Committee that the council valued the dynamic artistry, cultural contribution and diversity that street entertainment brings to our city. However key challenges included unsuccessful resolutions in court with CPNs and the amount of resources required, due to the size and scale and the transient nature of the street entertainment.  An extensive number of expert witnesses from the business, street entertainment and music industry were invited to discuss their views and opinions with the Committee. The witnesses thanked the Committee for looking at Street Entertainment and welcomed the discussion. 

6.2      Concerns were raised regarding a proportion of street entertainers displaying poor behaviour, such as aggression, loud noise and obstructions. Simon Thomas, CEO the London Hippodrome Casino, felt that businesses were heavily regulated and licensed and the same rigorous checks should be applied to street entertainers.  It was felt that many street entertainers were of poor quality and were nuisances to premises and residents of WCC.  It was also felt that the voluntary controls had not work in all cases, this includes the reporting of incidents.  Good street entertainers were welcomed, however the cumulative impact of too many entertainers was a concern raised. 

6.3      Ms Ros Morgan, Chief Executive, Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) felt that in order to find the right balance there needed to be further communications between street entertainers and premises/businesses owners. It was felt that the report had made a good start but required further work, a framework that will protect good street entertainers.  Mr Broadhurst from the GLA and who helped to set up Busk in London, felt that more consistent approach was needed and advised that the Mayor of London wants to champions busking so to protect London rich eco system.  Mr Broadhurst also advised that 95% of busker support the Council, but have concerns regarding the enforcement element, any work going forward should to be in collaboration with street entertainers. 

6.4      Dave Southern, Representative, Keep Streets Live, advised the Committee that the organisation campaigns nationally regarding the over regulation of street entertainment. Mr Southern queried how the council will support the community and bring it into the fold and make it work for everyone.  Dave Webster from the Musicians Union opposed regulating the industry, advising that regulating street entertainers would “kill the industry”; and promoting the use of industry self-regulation mechanisms was a much better alternative.

6.5      The Committee welcomed and thanked the expert witnesses for attending the meeting and providing their views. Councillor Taouzzale raised concerns regarding the impact on residents of loud and aggressive street performers.  Councillor Less was concerned regarding the impact of possible costs/fees of further licensing on young performers.  Councillor Arzymanow advised that she had observed loud street entertainers and that noise was unfair to residents.  Councillor Dimoldenberg queried the council’s existing powers of enforcement querying if there were any additional areas that the council should be focusing their efforts.  Councillor Green and Councillor Barnes addressed the different types and quality of street performers in Westminster and felt a variety of street entertainers was a reflection of Westminster. 

RESOLVED: The Committee noted the report and comments made by expert witnesses.