Officials at Westminster City Council have floated clampdown options on busking in Leicester Square amid surging noise complaints.
Officials said that while most licensed buskers played by the rules, there were issues of “non-compliance and illegal activity” in popular tourist spots such as Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Two years ago, the council introduced permits for performers in licensed areas and designated pitches.
A scrutiny committee heard that since the introduction of the scheme, the Council has received 5,070 complaints to May 2023 about street performances - around a quarter of which were from Leicester Square.
There are two licensed pitches in the tourist destination, but one spot at its northeastern corner is considered a particular problem as the “unique nature of the buildings in the area” means sound travels in “unpredictable ways”.
A review considered by councillors on Monday states: “Urgent action is required to address the noise nuisance caused by amplification on nearby properties, non-compliance from licensed buskers and street entertainers, and the presence of illegal buskers in the area.”
Among the options presented to councillors were to seek a “seek a resolution between all parties” on pitch locations, ban amplification on weekdays, banning amplification, or a “complete prohibition of busking and street entertainment” in the square.
However, the report recommends that the council take steps to make the north-eastern pitch unamplified, while working with buskers and local businesses to find a solution.
It states: “If the collaborative approach between all parties shows signs of progress the statutory process or decision on changing this pitch to unamplified could be slowed or suspended.”
A possible review of fees for the licences have also been floated, with the additional money going towards cracking down on “illegal busking activities”.
The council has stressed that it wants to work collaboratively with buskers, and no policy changes have yet been made.
“Busking and street entertainment have been and will remain a consideration for our placemaking and public space design approaches, ensuring our city and town centres remain an attractive experience for all,” states the report.
“The Council continues to recognise the cultural contribution that busking and street entertainment add to the City’s vibrancy and character.”
The review will next be discussed at the council’s licensing committee on October 4.
