Latest News

Westminster Consultation on Proposed Revisions to Busking and Street Entertainment Licensing

Westminster City Council has recently launched a consultation on revisions to the Council’s licensing policy, standard conditions and code of conduct under its existing busking and street trading licensing regime.

The revisions to the policy include:

• Introducing new policies, standard conditions, and a code of conduct concerning child performers and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Adding a new policy regarding the council’s stance on royalty liabilities and making false statements within the licensing process.
• Implementing a new standard condition regarding the behaviour of buskers and street entertainers, along with an amendment to an existing provision in the code regarding cooperation between licensees, council officers, and the police.
• Removing permission for buskers and street entertainers to use amplification from the North East pitch within Leicester Square.
• Enhancing the existing policy on Performer Regulation and Street Performers Associations, as well as amending the current code of conduct provision related to the busking and street entertainment forum.

The consultation period will remain open until the 14^th April 2024. Comments can be submitted via Westminster’s dedicated consultation platform, accessible through the council’s webpage at www.westminster.gov.uk/street-entertainment-licensing.

Permanent Traffic Reduction Scheme in Covent Garden

Shaftesbury Capital welcomes the scheme from Westminster City Council and the London Borough of Camden to make permanent a traffic management scheme introduced in 2021 as a trial, following significant support from residents, businesses and visitors.

If you have any questions about the scheme, please email feedback@coventgardenconsultation.co.uk.