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I am a busker (a street performer) and I was recently kicked out of my singing spot by a business owner. I perform on the sidewalk but it is a wide sidewalk, maybe 3 people shoulder to shoulder to the curb from me. He claimed that it was illegal for me to perform on the sidewalk and that I was blocking the path when I clearly wasn't. Out of fear, I left because he threatened to call the cops but I've been doing research and from what I know it is okay to busk as it is considered artistic free speech but I'm not sure if I am allowed to busk on the sidewalk exactly. I do know that many do on the sidewalk but cops don't usually say anything but the store owner is on my back. I live in San Diego. I know some cities have different laws for busking. Thank you so much. Busking is the only way I can pay for school.
1 ANSWER
Susan Marie Basko
If that particular store owner does not want you in front of his business, then find a different location. That business owner may not like your music or your appearance or whatever. Many local businesses today pay $25,000 per month or more in rent. What goes on in front of their business is crucially important to them. It's never a good idea to plant yourself in any one spot for too long, because you will wear out your welcome. Also, if you are too loud or using amplification, you may be in violation of the law.
Street performers should have a clean, neat appearance and behave in a friendly, non-pushy manner. Remember that your actions may affect all the street performers in town. When a city starts to have too many problems with street performers, the city will often enact licensing and strict regulations. So, if a particular business owner does not want you outside his establishment, move on. And keep moving on. Fifteen minutes in any one location near a business should be your plan. That way, by the time anyone gets irritated, you are gone. Even if your act is fabulous, people do not want to hear it for hours on end.
Answered on May 28th, 2013 at 4:52 PM