Buskers perform all over the country, but here in London are a prominent attraction across the centre of the city. Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Southbank – even in tube stations – they gather crowds of Londoners and tourists alike. So why is the council trying to ban them?

In December 2020, Westminster City Council (the council in charge of the central London borough) voted to introduce a new busking license that requires the performer to pay £20 every six months. This came into effect in April 2021, just as the UK was easing out of lockdown. Although this might not seem a lot, the local authority has a lot of other measures they have introduced or are trying to. These include limiting the number of available spots throughout Westminster to just 20 non-amplified and 6 amplified, the obligation to purchase Public Liability Insurance for up to £2 million, banning fire and sharp objects and so many more. A quote from Vice describes the atmosphere of watching a busker perform perfectly; ‘People standing there, clapping and laughing and cheering; sometimes even crying with laughter; kids having their first experience of a new art form; people who couldn't afford to go to an indoor show actually getting some free cultural entertainment right before their eyes.’ One of the main appeals of places like Leicester Square is the incredible talent of the performers that you get to see for free. Getting a whole crowd to dance and sing Sweet Caroline together is a feat, and a great one to get to experience and be part of. The few complaints the council has received are trivial things that can easily be dealt with without going to extremes; certainly without taking away one of the essences of life within the city centre.