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Busking

The City of Sydney welcomes buskers and has identified an interim policy and guidelines to support  busking activity in the City.

What is a Busker?

A busker is a person who plays an instrument, sings, dances, juggles, mimes, performs an act or entertains the public. A busker may accept but cannot solicit donations in appreciation of their performance.

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Why an Interim Busking Policy and Guidelines?

The nature of the City’s environment is constantly changing. While the City values buskers and the contribution they provide to the colour and life of the City, the needs of pedestrians and businesses also need to be considered. The Interim Busking Policy and Guidelines have recently been revised and the Interim Policy and Guidelines provide an opportunity for the City to hear from all stakeholders involved in busking and to ensure that all involved are given a chance to comment on the document before they are finalised.

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What has changed?

Insurance

Buskers with a Standard or Special Busking Permit will again be covered for public liability under the City of Sydney’s Community Engagement Liability Insurance policy.

Buskers with an ACAPTA Accredited Permit will be required to carry their own Public Liability Insurance to $10 million for any one loss.

Buskers Under the Age of 18 (formerly known as ‘Under Age Buskers’)

Parents or a guardian must be present when applicants under the age of 18 years are applying for a permit over the counter. Proof of Identity will be required.

Restricted Busking Sites

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

Busking in Pitt Street Mall is not permitted prior to 2pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends, and must be in one of the 3 locations identified in the Mall. There is now an acoustic-only pitch in Pitt Street Mall.

Two new restricted sites have been added to the guidelines – the Southern end of the Queen Victoria Building and at the Bay Street entrance to the Broadway Shopping Centre.

Events or Festivals

Written permission from the CEO from event/festival organisers for permission to have buskers perform at an event/festival is no longer required.

Temporary (one day only) busking zones for “one off” or “annual” community events/festivals will no longer be authorised by the CEO.

All event activities will be subject to the usual Venue Hire agreements (with the City) for the period of the booking.

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How can I contribute to the process?

The Interim Busking Policy and Guidelines are available for download or a copy can be obtained from any Council Office Location.

Feedback can be addressed to:

Marina Maunsell
Acting Cultural Development Coordinator
Tel: 02 9246 7891
Email: mmaunsell@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Feedback should be made by 5pm Friday March 23, 2012.

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What is the process?

Feedback on the Interim Policy and Guidelines received by the City will be considered against the Policy and Guidelines by the City’s Busking Review Committee. It will then be drafted into a report for endorsement by Council. Following endorsement, the Policy and Guidelines will then be published on this website.

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Where Can Buskers Perform?

Buskers can perform anywhere in the City providing they adhere to the City’s Busking Guidelines and Policy.

There are 12 Restricted Sites that limit the type and level of busking activity. These areas are more restricted due to the volume of people using them, the noise sensitivities and safety concerns.

In most cases buskers can occupy a space for up to two hours at any one time.

There are 2 sites:

  • Pitt Street Mall and
  • Broadway Shopping Centre – Bay Street Entrance

that are restricted to up to 1 hour at a time (including set up and pack up time).

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Areas Not Covered by the City of Sydney Busking Policy

The following areas are not under the management of the City of Sydney. The respective authorities and trusts have their own policies for busking and should be contacted directly to seek approval to busk in these areas.

Circular Quay, First Fleet Park, Museum of Contemporary Art forecourt, The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park and Darling Walk are the responsibility of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

The Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens are the responsibility of Royal Botanic Gardens Trust.

The Sydney Opera House steps, concourse and forecourts are guided by the Sydney Opera House Trust.

Other sites and the responsible authorities are identified on the City of Sydney Map available for download.

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Do I Need Approval?

Yes. All buskers need a City of Sydney Busking Permit to perform on City of Sydney owned land. The Permit must be displayed at all times while performing. Permits are available for up to one year for a small fee.

If you want to busk as a group each group member will need to apply for an individual busking license. Groups of up to 5 licensed buskers can perform at any one time providing all members have their license on display.

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What isn't Permitted?

  • Causing a nuisance or obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic and entrances to shops or buildings
  • Excessively loud performances
  • Acts that involve animals
  • Selling or offering for sale any articles, commodity or services with the exception of the busker’s own original CDs and DVDs
  • Using dangerous implements or materials as part of the performance without a Special Busking Permit (See information below)
  • Vilification of any community members, including, but not limited to, racial, sexual, gender or disability discrimination.

You can download a Special Busking Permit Application Form, Interim Busking Guidleines 2011 and the Interim Busking Policy 2011 as PDF documents.

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Busking Complaints

Reports of non-compliance with the City's busking policy can be reported to the City's 24 hours Customer Service Centre on 02 9265 9333. City staff will investigate each complaint received. In certain circumstances City staff may revoke or modify permits or issue an on the spot fine if the permit holder fails to comply with the requirements and conditions of the permit.

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Do I Need to Audition?

No, the City does not require buskers to audition.

If you use dangerous materials or implements in your act you must pass a safety review with either the City or Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association (ACAPTA) before you can be issued with a Busking Permit. You can download the Interim Busking Guidelines and Policy 2011 for details or visit the your nearest Council Location.

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When Are Safety Reviews Held?

The City of Sydney Safety Reviews are held monthly, and an appointment to attend must be made by the close of business of the Friday before each review. You can book your appointment for review, by contacting 02 9265 9333.

The schedule is usually from 10am  on the third Tuesday of every month of 2012 as follows:

2012

  • 21 February
  • 20 March
  • 17 April
  • 15 May
  • 19 June
  • 17 July
  • 21 August
  • 18 September
  • 16 October
  • 20 November
  • 18 December.

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How Can I Apply?

Buskers must meet certain criteria and agree to abide by the conditions set out in the Interim Busking Policy and Guidelines 2011.

When applying for approval you will need to provide a completed application form, proof of identity and have a photo taken which will be printed on your Busking permit. Telephone inquiries can be made by calling 02 9265 9333.

The busking application forms are available to download or visit one of the following Council locations:

CBD
Tel: 02 9265 9333
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Level 2, Town Hall House
456 Kent Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Public Holidays: Closed

Easter Public Holiday Period
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9 April 2012: CLOSED
More Info >>

Kings Cross
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

50 - 52 Darlinghurst Rd
Kings Cross NSW 2011

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12noon
Public Holidays: Closed

Easter Public Holiday Period
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9 April 2012: CLOSED
More Info >>

Glebe
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

186 Glebe Point Road (cnr Wigram Road)
Glebe NSW 2037

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Public Holidays: Closed

Easter Public Holiday Period
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9 April 2012: CLOSED
More Info >>

Green Square
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
100 Joynton Avenue
Zetland NSW 2017

Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday, Sundays and Public holidays: Closed

Easter Public Holiday Period
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9 April 2012: CLOSED
More Info >>

Redfern
Email: council@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

158 Redfern Street
Redfern NSW 2016

Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 9am to 12 noon
Public Holidays: Closed

Easter Public Holiday Period
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Monday 9 April 2012: CLOSED
More Info >>

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How Long Does it Take to Get Approval?

Busking Permits will be issued over the counter the same day you apply. Please ensure you have read and understand the Busking Guidelines and Policy these can be downloaded or obtained from any of the Council Office locations listed above.

If you wish to apply for a Special Busking Permit or an ACAPTA Accredited Permit you will need to have proof that you have passed a Safety Review conducted by either the City or ACAPTA.

Buskers applying for an ACAPTA Accredited Busking permit will also need to provide a copy of their Public Liability Insurance ($10 million)

Telephone inquiries can be made by calling 02 9265 9333 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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What is the Cost for a Busking Permit?

Busking Permits are available for 3 months (quarterly) or for 12 months (annually).
The 3 month permit is $12. The 12 month permit is $45.

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Downloads

You can download the following forms as PDF files, to download the files you must have Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer.

To view PDF files you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Get Acrobat Reader Now. PDF Accessibility.

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Last Updated: Tuesday 13 March, 2012

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.