This news item is over 3 months old and has been archived.
Code of conduct launched for street entertainers
A pilot code
of conduct for street musicians and other entertainers has been
launched by Scarborough Borough Council.
It sets out how entertainers who perform in
Scarborough’s main shopping precinct “can earn an honest buck”,
while showing consideration and good manners to the business
community as well as the thousands of people in shop in the town
each day.
If the voluntary code of conduct proves to
be a success, it will be adopted across the borough.
The council’s Investment Manager, Nick
Taylor, said: “Scarborough is fortunate to have some terrific
street musicians who add to the vibrancy of our town centre.
“The code of conduct sets out in clear
terms what is expected of street entertainers, though to be fair,
it’s mostly common sense and the vast majority who perform in the
town centre are already polite and good-natured and careful not to
cause a nuisance of themselves.”
The code of conduct says street
entertainers should demonstrate a “positive intention to entertain
passers-by, not to solicit money through sympathy”.
It says they should stop performing if
requested to do so by a council officer or police officer and
should attempt to co-ordinate and co-operate with fellow street
entertainers.
The code states that street entertainers
should not perform in areas where there is concentrated footfall,
such as directly outside shop entrances and be careful not to build
up an audience where they may come into conflict with traffic.
It says street entertainers should not
perform in the same location for longer than an hour and must not
cause a nuisance from loud or amplified music. They should not sell
merchandise and, if collecting for charity, should have the
necessary street collection permit in place.
Street entertainers are also advised in the
code that they should not perform under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
* A full copy of the Scarborough Code of Conduct for Street
Musicians is available from administrative officer Mary Turnbull on
01723 232324, email mary.turnbull@scarborough.gov.uk