Interim Busking Guidelines November 2011

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GUIDELINES

The following Guidelines apply to all holders of City of Sydney Busking Permits and are set in a context of the City of Sydney Busking Policy 2011.

PURPOSE

The purpose of these Guidelines is to outline the conditions for buskers to ensure maximum public safety and amenity and community harmony at all times.

SCOPE

All applicants must agree to comply with the conditions outlined in the City of Sydney Busking Policy and Busking Guidelines in order to obtain a Standard Busking Permit, Special Busking Permit or Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association (ACAPTA) Accredited Busking Permit.

The Busking Guidelines apply to busking in all areas of the City outlined in the City of Sydney Busking Policy 2011, whether in restricted or unrestricted areas.

VALUES

The Busking Policy assists the City to achieve its aims as outlined in Sustainable Sydney 2030, in particular supporting a lively and engaging city centre, encouraging a cultural and creative city and establishing effective governance and partnerships.

DEFINITIONS

Specific terms referred to in these Guidelines are consistent with the Definitions identified in the City of Sydney Busking Policy 2011.

GUIDELINES

1 Applying for a Busking Permit

1.1 All Buskers (or people wishing to undertake busking) within the City of Sydney

must obtain a valid Busking Permit.

1.2 All applicants must apply for a Busking Permit in person and acknowledge and

agree to comply with the terms and conditions of this policy. They must also agree to have their photograph taken at the time of their application. Scanned photos are not permitted.

2 Identification

2.1 All applicants are required to present proof of identify with their application form before a Busking Permit is issued.

2.2 Proof of identity must include one of the following:

current Australian driver’s licence proof of age card , such as a Photo Card (NSW), Personal Information Card

(Tas), Evidence of Age Card (NT), Card 18+ (Qld) or a Proof of Age card (Vic, SA, WA and ACT)

current passport

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Another document containing a signature, a recent photograph and date of birth (a military identification document, student identification card, air crew identity document, seafarer identification document) which establishes the person’s identity to the satisfaction of the City.

3 Permits

3.1 Standard Busking Permits

These permits are for all busking acts that do not involve dangerous materials or implements in their act. They can be issued on the same day with suitable proof of identification (listed above), a completed and signed application form and payment.

3.2 Special Busking Permits

These permits are for all busking acts that do involve dangerous materials or implements in their act. They can only be issued upon the applicant passing a Safety Review for endorsement of their performance.

A Special Busking Permit is issued in accordance with clause 26 of these Guidelines. Buskers applying for this Permit will assessed by an approved Busking Assessor and a designated Council Officer. The City does not guarantee endorsement.

Special busking permits can be issued on passing a Safety Review conducted by the City, with suitable proof of identification (listed above), a completed and signed application form, evidence of an approved safety review and payment.

3.3 ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit

These permits are for all buskers that do involve dangerous materials or Dangerous Implements in their Performance, and have passed a safety review with ACAPTA.

An ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit is issued in accordance with clause 26 of these Guidelines. Buskers applying for this Permit will be assessed by an ACAPTA Assessor and details can be found on the ACAPTA website.

The Permit can be issued on the same day with provision of; suitable proof of identification, in accordance with clause 2 of these Guidelines, a National Busking Accreditation Card, $10 million Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency noting the Busker by

name, a completed and signed application form and payment.

These busking permits will only be issued for periods that fall within the National Busking Accreditation Card licensed period and the insured period.

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4 Cost of Permits 4.1 Busking Permits are issued for a 3 month or 12 month term and a fee is applicable to

all types of permit. For the current fees please refer to the City’s annual Fees and Charges.

4.2 Permits are not transferable or refundable

5 Insurance

5.1 Buskers with a Standard or Special Busking Permit are covered for public liability

under the City of Sydney’s Community Engagement Liability Insurance policy while the busker complies with the conditions and requirements for busking contained in this policy.

5.2 The policy is limited to $10 million for any one loss, and the busker is

responsible for the first $5,000 of each and every loss, under current arrangements.

5.3 ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit holders must provide evidence of their

own Public Liability Insurance to the value of $10 million and be underwritten by an insurer which is acceptable by the City and must cover the entire license period. A certificate of currency must be provided in the name of the busker.

6 Register

6.1 The Local Government Act 1993 requires the City of Sydney to keep a register of

people approved to busk in Sydney and this information is to be made available for public inspection at the office of the Council on request.

6.2 The accessible information includes the busker’s name, address, duration of the

approval, description of what has been approved and whether the approval has been revoked or modified.

7 Renewal of Permits

7.1 Standard and Special Busking Permits should be renewed before the expiry date.

Buskers cannot perform with an expired permit and fines may be issued where unauthorised or expired permits are used.

7.2 Special Busking Permit holders may renew their permit without an additional Safety

Review providing it is within 2 years of their last Review and their Performance has not changed in that period.

7.3 Buskers already holding Special Busking Permits who plan to introduce any

additional dangerous implements or materials to their performance for which they have not been previously assessed, must notify the City of Sydney and attend another safety review.

7.4 Buskers holding a ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit may renew their permit

providing they have an a National Busking Accreditation Card and $10 million Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency that is current for the full term the new

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permit is to cover.

8 Lost or Stolen Permits

8.1 A replacement fee (as listed in the City’s Fees and Charges) will apply to the re-issue of a lost or stolen Busking Permit.

9 Non Acceptable Acts

9.1 Offering for sale or the provision of goods or services or one-on-one consultation for money, fee or reward are not considered to be busking under the terms of this policy; for example:

Balloon sculpting or modelling, fortune, tarot card and palm reading, artists selling their works (such as portrait artists), massage or any type of healing therapy, selling of any kind (with exception of clause 22), solicitation of money for any purpose.

9.2 The City of Sydney does not permit any Performance which involves an

animal, reptile or bird and busking permits will not be issued for such performances.

9.3 A Busker who is supported by an assistance animal (as defined by section 5 of the

Companion Animals Act 1998) may deliver a performance whilst accompanied by that assistance animal. The assistance animal must not form part of the performance.

10 Buskers Under the Age of 18

10.1 Proof of parental consent is required for applicants under the age of 18 years. 10.2 Part 6 of the City of Sydney Busking Permit Application must be completed and

signed by the applicants parent or guardian in person at the time of application for a Busking Permit.

10.3 The City of Sydney strongly recommends that all buskers under the age of 18 be

accompanied by a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult at all times while busking. The granting of a busking permit to a person under the age of 18 does not constitute the condoning by the City of Sydney of that person busking without appropriate adult supervision in any area or at any time permitted by the Busking Policy.

11 Group Acts

11.1 Each member of a busking group must hold a current Busking Permit and this

must be clearly displayed during their performance. This applies to both Standard Busking Permits and Special Busking Permits.

11.2 Groups are limited to a maximum of 5 members. This is to ensure that

pedestrians are able to move freely through the city and to prevent crowd crush.

11.3 In special circumstances, groups with more than five members may make a written request to the Chief Executive Officer to busk in certain locations. These requests should be made at least 6 weeks prior to the first Performance and provide

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full details of the nature of the Performance, the number of Buskers, the intended dates and location. The City may request a review of large group performances before deciding to grant a permit.

12 Display of Permits

12.1 Buskers must display their Busking Permits in a prominent, highly visible position in the busking site at all times during their acts.

13 Public Amenity and Pedestrian and Vehicle Access

13.1 Buskers must not undertake any act that could be considered as causing a public nuisance including excessive noise and/or the use of offensive or discriminatory language or behaviour.

13.2 Buskers must not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian flow or public amenities or cause obstruction to traders or delivery vehicles, including by way of encouraging audience formation in such a manner as to cause such interference.

13.3 Buskers must not interfere in any way with an approved event or activity.

13.4 Buskers should make provision for clear and accessible pathways of travel for people with disabilities ensuring sufficient clear footpath access with 1 metre recommended as a minimum.

13.5 Buskers should be aware that the building line may be used for navigation by people with vision impairment.

15 Hours

15.1 Holders of Standard Busking Permits, Special Busking Permits and ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permits may busk within the City of Sydney Local Government Area only between the following times:

7am-10pm Monday - Thursday 7am-12 Midnight Friday and Saturday 9am-10pm Sunday.

15.2 Busking in Queens Square will only be permitted on Saturdays if the Supreme Court is not sitting and on Sundays from 1.00pm onwards.

15.3 Busking in Pitt Street Mall is not permitted prior to 2pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends.

16 Duration

16.1 Buskers may perform at any one site for:

Maximum of 1 hour in Pitt Street Mall and at Broadway ShoppingCentre, Bay Street Entrance

Maximum of 2 hours elsewhere in the City, including designated sites Maximum of 8 hours for pavement art in accordance with clause 23.

17 Behaviour

17.1 Buskers must not undertake any act that could be considered a public nuisance such as the use of excessive noise, offensive language or anti social behaviour.

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17.2 The use of political, religious, racial, sexually explicit or homophobic material that may be deemed unduly persuasive, offensive or discriminatory is strictly prohibited as determined by the NSW Anti Discrimination Act 1977.

17.3 Buskers must comply with directions issued by any Authorised, Event Organisers and

members of the Ambulance, Fire and any other Emergency Services. 17.4 Buskers must comply with directions issued by an Authorised Person who may at any

time request a busker to cease busking if the performance is deemed loud or intrusive, or excessively repetitive, or is causing public inconvenience, or is likely to cause harm to the public or property.

17.5 Buskers must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of the

audience witnessing the performance. 17.6 Buskers must ensure that public property is not damaged in the course of the

performance.

18 Cleanliness

18.1 Buskers must keep the site clean while they are working. 19 Amplification

19.1 Buskers may only use amplification that is battery operated. Mains voltage amplification and amplification powered by a generator is prohibited.

19.2 Buskers must keep all speakers and amplifiers within 1 metre of their performance.

19.3 Buskers must not have exposed or unsecured speaker or electrical cables on the

ground. 19.4 Excessive amplification is not permitted. Loud acts may be asked to lower their

volume or cease busking. The City reserves the right to impose a decibel limit on amplified sound in appropriate circumstances.

19.5 Where a complaint has been received about excessive noise, level of noise

amplification, music of a percussive or repetitive nature, or excessive duration of an act, particularly in relation to the proximity of that act to a place or work or residence, and the complaint is deemed to be justified, a busker may be directed by Authorised Persons to cease busking.

20 Soliciting of Funds

20.1 Buskers may receive a monetary appreciation from the audience for their performance but may not solicit funds in a way which is likely to cause any discomfort to any individual.

21 Advertising/Selling

21.1 Subject to clause 21.2 and 22 of these Guidelines, buskers cannot offer goods and services for sale; display, demonstrate or advertise goods or services or associate themselves with such advertising in conjunction with their performance.

21.2 Buskers are permitted one sign advertising their own original CD and/or act. The

sign must be no greater than a standard A4 card and displayed in a way that

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doesn’t create a trip hazard. It is recommended the sign be attached to the busker’s collection receptacle.

22 CDs and DVDs

22.1 The sale of CDs and DVDs ancillary to a busking performance is permissible in all areas within the Sydney Local Government Area, subject to clauses 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 of these Guidelines.

22.2 The CDs or DVDs must contain original material of the busker. Only one item

for sale is allowed on display and a maximum of fifty items can be available for sale at any given time.

22.3 The sale of CDs or DVDs may only occur as a complement to the busker’s

performance and should not dominate the time a busker occupies a site. 22.4 Buskers cannot delegate the sale of their CDs and DVDs to another person.

23 Pavement Art

Buskers who are utilising pavement (chalk) art as a form of entertainment may only do so where:

23.1 The material used is removable by water and does not leave a residue, and,

23.2 The surface is of a non-porous material, such as bitumen and concrete. Prohibited

surfaces include sandstone, granite and other porous surfaces currently used in some pavements, pathways and walkways in the City.

23.3 Buskers may choose to draw onto a large removable surface (such as canvas or

plastic) at least 2m x2m laid on the pavement. 23.4 Individual renditions of the artists' work may not be offered for sale, or sold to the

public. 23.5 Any proposed material to be used in carrying out pavement art must not be slippery

(whether wet or dry) and must not be likely to cause a public hazard. 23.6 The site is used for no more than 8 hours.

23.7 The work space to be used is to be clearly defined and artist’s tools and personal

belongings must be kept within this area. 23.8 Buskers must be conscious of public safety and accessibility at all times.

24 Legal Obligations and Cancellation

24.1 Buskers shall comply with all relevant laws, regulations and policies and lawful directions of Authorised Persons. The holding of a busking permit will not constitute a defence where a busker has committed an offence.

24.2 Busking permits may be revoked or modified where persons breach any laws or

any of the conditions listed in these Guidelines 24.3 City of Sydney may, in certain circumstances, revoke or modify permits or issue an

on the spot fine if the permit holder fails to comply with the requirements and

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conditions of the permit, in accordance with sections 109, 110 and 627 of the Local Government Act 1993.

25 Monitoring

25.1 Authorised Persons and Event Organisers can prohibit use of a Restricted Area, Busking Site or such area as may be specified while Council or other approved works are in progress, or while a special event is in progress. It is possible that restrictions on busking may be imposed during such occasions as New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras, Australia Day, Anzac Day or other events.

25.2 The use of unrestricted areas, restricted areas and designated sites for busking

activities will be monitored by the Busking Review Committee as identified in the Busking Policy 2011 under “Responsibilities” and recommendations for changes will be made through a regular review process.

26 Dangerous Materials and Implements

Buskers may not use dangerous implements or materials as part of a performance without a Special Busking Permit or an ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit. These are only issued to buskers who have highly developed skills and experience in their use and who are acutely aware of the importance of public and individual safety when used.

Buskers who wish to use dangerous implements or materials must:

26.1 Pass a safety review conducted by the City of Sydney or ACAPTA and receive an

endorsement of their performance in order to obtain a Special Busking Permit or an ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit.

26.2 Define the performance space to be used by establishing a physical boundary of at

least 2 metres between herself/himself and the audience. This may be done using either a roped or chained off area or where the surface is a non-porous material, a chalk line maybe used. Any chalk line must be water-soluble and removed once the busker has completed the performance.

26.3 Where fire or flammable materials are used, include a Work Cover approved Fire Blanket in their performance kits that is kept visible and accessible throughout the performance.

26.4 Limit the use of flammable fuels to kerosene, firewater or scented lamp oils (eg citronella) only. No other fuels will be permitted.

26.5 Store and transport any flammable liquids permitted under the Code of Practice in

accordance with section 7 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code i.e. portable plastic containers of no greater than a 5 litre capacity.

26.6 Take all practicable steps to prevent the dripping of any flammable fuel on the

ground. It is the responsibility of all buskers to ensure any drip stains are immediately cleaned.

26.7 All containers must be conspicuously marked with the following:

”HIGHLY FLAMMABLE”, in capital letters on both sides of the container, and “Class 3 Flammable liquid” and Name of the liquid in the container, e.g. “Kerosene”.

26.8 If using Dangerous Implements in a performance, all edges on metal implements

must be blunted and rendered non-dangerous (including chain saws and other

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mechanical devices). An implement is determined blunt if it is incapable of piercing human skin when pressure is directly applied to its edge or point against human skin.

27 Busking Areas Covered

27.1 These Guidelines cover the City of Sydney Local Government Area only. Areas not

covered are identified in clause 28 of these Guidelines.

27.2 Buskers with Standard Busking Permits may perform in any public area and only Standard Busking Sites within Restricted Areas as identified in the Busking Guidelines and Busking Site Maps

27.3 Buskers with Special Busking Permits or ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permits may only perform at a Special Busking Site as identified within the City’s Restricted Areas in the Busking Guidelines (clause 29).

27.4 With the exception of the identified Restricted Areas and Special Busking sites, holders of Special Busking Permits and ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permits are not permitted to perform in any Park within the City of Sydney Local Government Area due to health and safety regulations without the CEO‘s prior written approval.

28 Areas Not Covered

28.1 Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority areas including Circular Quay, First

Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art Forecourt, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park and Darling Walk.

28.2 The Royal Botanic Gardens Trust areas including The Domain and Royal

Botanic Gardens. 28.3 The Sydney Opera House Trust areas including the Sydney Opera House,

steps, concourse and forecourts. 28.4 Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust areas including the Sydney Football

Stadium, the Entertainment Quarter and the Horden Pavilion. 28.5 State Rail Authority areas including all railway stations and the connecting

pedestrian tunnels. 28.6 Redfern Waterloo Authority areas including Australian Technology Park and

CarriageWorks. Information about busking in these areas is available from the relevant authority.

29 Restricted Areas 29.1 The following special conditions apply to the busking sites identified in the 12

Restricted Areas shown on the Busking Site Maps. 29.2 The general and specific site conditions contained in this Policy apply to these

sites. 29.3 Busking is restricted to one performance per identified site at any one time.

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29.4 Buskers must respect the rights of others to enjoy these public spaces and not unduly disrupt the activities of nearby residents, retailers and workers in the surrounding areas.

29.5 Buskers may not perform while special events are in progress in any Restricted Area.

29.6 Buskers must only perform on the hard surface areas and not on grassed areas within the Restricted Areas.

30 Standard Busking Sites

30.1 Only buskers with Standard Busking Permits are permitted to perform at the Standard Busking Sites identified in the Busking Site Maps in this Policy.

31 Special Busking Sites

31.1 Seven (7) Special Busking Sites have been designated for buskers holding a Special Busking Permit and ACAPTA Accredited Busking Permit only. These sites are the only sites where buskers using dangerous materials and implements can perform and are marked on the Busking Site Maps.

32 Busking Site Maps

Map 1 - Macquarie Place Park

Location: Corner Bridge Street and Loftus Street, Sydney

Busking in Macquarie Place is restricted to one Standard Busking Site and one Special Busking Site, as marked on map 1 in the Busking Site Maps.

Map 2 - Wynyard Park

Location: Corner York Street and Margaret Street, Sydney

Busking in Wynyard Park is restricted to two Standard Busking Site as marked on map 2 in the Busking Site Maps.

Maps 3, 4, 5 - Martin Place

Location: Map 3 Martin Place between Castlereagh and Pitt Street, Sydney Map 4 Martin Place between Phillip and Castlereagh Streets,

Sydney Map 5 Martin Place between Phillip and Macquarie Streets, Sydney

Busking in Martin Place is restricted to three Standard Busking Sites and two Special Busking Sites, as marked on maps 3, 4, 5 in the Busking Site Maps.

Busking is not permitted between Pitt Street and George Street at any time.

Buskers may not perform less than 15 metres from any other performer in Martin Place.

Circle shows are permitted between Macquarie Street and Phillip Street but only one show at any given time.

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No busking is allowed in Martin Place on Anzac Day (25 April) without the written approval of the CEO.

This restricted area includes the curb-side footpaths within the Martin Place strip.

Map 6 - Pitt Street Mall

Location: Pitt Street Mall, between King and Market Streets, Sydney.

Commencing 16 May 2016 the Pitt Street Mall is subject to Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall.

Amended terms and conditions apply to this site, and form part of these Interim Busking Guidelines which must continue to be adhered to by all busking permit holders performing at the Pitt Street Mall sites.

The Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall has been extended until the Busking Policy Review is completed and approved by Council in 2017.

The Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall are outlined in Annexure A, at the end of this document.

(The previous notes for Map 6 - Pitt Street Mall are below in strike-through as a reference only – they have been replaced by The Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall for the period of the pilot.)

Busking in Pitt Street Mall is restricted to three Standard Busking Sites, as marked on Map 6 of the Busking Site Maps and as identified by markers placed in the pavement in Pitt Street Mall.

The middle site identified in Map 6 is restricted to a silent/acoustic act.

Buskers may perform for a maximum of 1 hour at any one site. This includes setup and pack down time.

Circle Acts are not permitted. Busking performances are limited to Walk-by Acts only. Should an act generate a sizable audience, the Busker is required to manage the audience to keep the Mall thoroughfares and shop entrances clear for pedestrian traffic.

Busking in the Mall is not permitted prior to 2pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends.

Buskers may not perform while special events are in progress in the Mall.

Excessive amplification is not permitted in the Mall. Amplified acts are required to direct speakers and amplifiers away from the shopfronts in the Mall.

Map 7 - Hyde Park and Queens Square

Location: North section of Hyde Park, Park Street, Sydney and Queens Square corner of St James Road and Macquarie Street, Sydney

Busking in Hyde Park and Queens Square is restricted to nine Standard Busking Sites and one Special Busking Site as marked on Map 7 in the

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Busking Site Maps.

Buskers must be considerate of the ambience of the park.

Busking will only be permitted on Saturdays in Queens Square if the Supreme Court is not sitting and Sundays from 1.00pm onwards.

Map 8 - Belmore Park

Location: Between Eddie Avenue and Hay Street, Haymarket

Busking in Belmore Park is restricted to six Standard Busking Sites as marked on Map 8 of the Busking Site Maps.

Map 9 Taylor Square

Location: Areas on the north and south sides of Oxford Streets at the intersection of Bourke Street, Darlinghurst

Busking in Taylor Square is restricted to two Standard Busking Sites and two Special Busking Sites as marked on Map 9 of the Busking Site Maps.

Only one Circle act is permitted in each restricted area of Taylor Square at a time.

Map 10 – Newcombe Street Reserve

Location: Corner Newcombe and Oxford Streets, Paddington

Busking in Newcombe Street Reserve is restricted to one Standard Busking Site and one Special Busking Site as marked on Map 10 of the Busking Site Maps.

Buskers must work cooperatively with the Saturday Market Operators in the adjacent school grounds.

Map 11 – Queen Victoria Building Forecourt

Location: Corner George and Druitt Streets, Sydney

Busking in Queen Victoria Building Forecourt is restricted to two Standard Busking Sites as marked on Map 11 of the Busking Site Maps.

The busking site closest to the Queen Victoria Building is designated for Pavement Artists only.

Map 12 – Broadway Shopping Centre – Bay Street Entrance

Location: Footpath area between Francis and Grose Street, Broadway

Busking adjacent to the Broadway Shopping Centre’s Bay Street entrance is restricted to one Standard Busking Site as marked on Map 12 of the Busking Site Maps.

The busking site is specifically placed in front of the Community Noticeboard Bollard on Bay Street.

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Busking in this Restricted Area is restricted to silent or acoustic acts only.

Buskers may perform for a maximum of 1 hour per day at this site. This includes setup and pack up time.

33 City of Sydney Offices

Busking Permits can be obtained from the City of Sydney’s CBD One Stop or at Customer Service Centres.

CBD City of Sydney Town Hall House Level 2, 456 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Monday–Friday: 8am to 6pm Telephone 02 9265 9333

Kings Cross Customer Service Centre 50 - 52 Darlinghurst Rd Kings Cross NSW 2011 Telephone: 02 9265 9333

Redfern Customer Service Centre 158 Redfern Street Redfern NSW 2016 Telephone: 02 9265 9333

Glebe Library & Customer Service Centre 186 Glebe Point Road (cnr Wigram Road) Glebe NSW 2037 Monday to Friday: 9am to 11.30am Telephone: 02 9265 9333

Green Square 100 Joynton Avenue Zetland NSW 2017 Monday to Friday: 10am to 6 pm Telephone: 02 9265 9333

REFERENCES

Related Legislation & Standards

Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 Companion Animals Act 1998 Local Government Act 1993 Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000

Related Policies and Procedures

City of Sydney Busking Policy – December 2011 Annexure A - Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall – May 2016

APPROVAL AND REVIEW Review Period Director, City Culture and Community will review these Guidelines every 12 months.

Next Review Date: November 2012

TRIM Reference Number Document number: 2012/019678

AUTHORISATION

Approved by Council on 7 November 2011

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Annexure A: Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall Commencing 16 May 2016 the Pitt Street Mall is subject to Pilot Busking Guidelines. Amended terms and conditions apply to this site, and form part of the Interim Busking Guidelines which must continue to be adhered to by all busking permit holders performing at this site.

The Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall are extended until the Busking Policy has been reviewed and approved by Council in 2017.

The Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall are being implemented to:

test a process that will ensure busking performance cancontinue in the Pitt Street Mall and keeps the Pitt Street Mall anenjoyable place to live, work and visit for performers,residents, business owners and workers;

trial measures which will bring the City’s approach tosupporting busking in line with best practice approachesutilised by other agencies in Australia and overseas;

increase access to Pitt Street Mall pitches for a greater numberand range of performers, as well as reduce repetition throughincreased diversity of performance;

introduce mechanisms to assist buskers with selfmanagement of noise and improve the City’s ability to monitorand assess noise produced by busking; and

collect data on the effectiveness of these measures in order toinform the Interim Busking Policy Review.

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Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall Location: Pitt Street Mall, between King and Market Streets, Sydney (Map 6)

1. Busking in Pitt Street Mall is restricted to three Standard Busking Sites, as marked onMap 6 of the Busking Site Maps.

2. Busking pitches can be accessed on a first come basis. There is no booking system orpriority system for these pitches.

3. There are three pitches in Pitt Street Mall and each pitch can be occupied by oneperformance/act at a time.

4. To manage sound transfer across pitches and improve the functionality of the overall sitefor buskers, the middle site identified in Map 6 is restricted to non-musical/non-amplifiedacts.

5. Buskers may perform for a maximum of 1 hour per pitch on one day. This includes setupand pack down time.

6. Buskers can only perform three times in a seven day period per pitch.

7. Buskers may not perform two days in a row in the same pitch.

8. Buskers should have sufficient repertoire to utilise the maximum performance time of onehour without repeating material. Otherwise, the performance time should be shortened toavoid repetition.

9. Circle Acts are not permitted. This includes structured performances with a duration of 20minutes or more and conducted with the intention of encouraging the audience to stayuntil the end of the act.

10. Acts which require audience participation where audience members are invited in to thepitch to participate in the act, are not permitted.

11. Should any act generate a sizable audience, the Busker is required to manage theaudience to keep the Mall thoroughfares and shop entrances clear for pedestrian traffic.

12. Busking in the Pitt Street Mall is not permitted prior to 2pm on weekdays and 11am onweekends (reference Clause 15.3 of the Interim Busking Guidelines).

13. Buskers may not perform while special events are in progress in the Mall.

14. Busking activity in the Pitt Street Mall should operate at a level so that the sound:

• is not heard above background levels to the degree that a person nearby wouldhave to raise their voice to have a conversation;

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• is not clearly heard above background noise when inside a nearby place ofbusiness or residence; and/or

• does not cause audiences to stand at a distance from the performance tomaintain a comfortable listening position.

15. Excessive amplification is not permitted in the Mall. Amplified acts are required to directspeakers and amplifiers away from the shopfronts in the Mall.

16. Decibel limits will apply to all performances. Buskers must manage their own soundperformance levels. Buskers are required to keep within the decibel limits of:

• 82 dBA L10 measured at 3 meters for one minute

• 76 dBA L10 measured at 6 meters for one minute

Should you have questions regarding the Pilot Busking Guidelines for Pitt Street Mall please email jtrinca@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au