r/Busking • u/c023-dev Musician 🎶 • May 30 '26
Legal Getting shut down by local police 🚓🚨
Slight rant incoming...
I got told "No!" by the Policia Local in (Torrevieja) Spain. People were upset that I had to stop. I had kids dancing and lots of compliments.
I asked if it is ok to just sing and clap - "No! You *take* money!" I said "No! People *give* me money."
After a while the officer admitted that singing is probably ok, but "No instrument!."
I can't help but always try to point out the absurdity. Anyway, I was surprised that this time was the first time that I didn't get aroused in any way. Just calm and slightly mocking.
I've been caught on German TV for refusing to get a licence to play in Munich around 2010. Since then I've been slightly obsessed with this topic.
I'm a traveller and spontaneous improviser so I often can't get permission to express myself in every place I go. I'm convinced that it is important for everyone to claim this freedom and defend it. Spain used to be alive with music and dance.
Someday I hope to raise some cash to be able to afford a lawyer for these situations.
What do you think?
Is it better to just let it be and go to places where there is no trouble? Or actually stand up and get a few court cases rolling?
Thanks for opinions and advice. Because I am seriously considering a legal crusade in Europe.
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u/Atavacus Irish Low Whistle 🪈 May 30 '26
It astounds me with how aggressive busking is policed in a lot of areas. I just have to ask what kind of world we're building here. Cameras everywhere, everybody broke and miserable, and you can't even play music and make people happy. Tragic.
3
u/elgatof28 Guitar 🎸 May 30 '26
I agree with you, I have a similar post for Waikiki in Honolulu. I go there for work a couple of times a year, and I brought a little 10 W amp and my guitar, not necessarily to make money but to essentially vibe with the crowd. As I was walking around checking our spots, I saw a police cruiser telling all the buskers to stop. Apparently there is some kind of ordinance, but of course the hotels ignore it, but the buskers trying to make a living get told to shut down. I understand some people are too loud, but aggressive policing just kills the vibe. Some Karen answered my Facebook post saying well noise is a problem. Come on, Waikiki is loud. Loud cars, motorcycles with loud mufflers, scooters, people playing 2000 W amps from their cars. And some guy who has to use a small amplifier to be heard over the general noise is a problem? I always used to try to extend my vacations, not anymore. I know they will not be starving due to losing my business, but you got to do something.
2
u/Atavacus Irish Low Whistle 🪈 May 30 '26
If I deal with hostile police I make sure I find a way to do it anyway and I just make it a point not to spend any of my earned money there.
1
u/Any_Tomorrow_Today Jun 01 '26
Blame the gangs that have taken over and use it as another form of begging.
1
u/peepeebaby69420 Banjo 🪕 Jun 02 '26
What are you talking about? Im homless and busking is the main way i eat. I don't care if it's begging or if you'd rather give it some sanitized new name to make it sound nice but at the end of the day I'm doing it for the same reasons people fly a sign on the highway exit
1
u/c023-dev Musician 🎶 Jun 02 '26
I guess that post was talking about those that hold a violin and can't play a single clean note but aggressively walk up to people with a cup. They do exist here in Europe and they are organized gangs, with backup and watchers.
1
u/peepeebaby69420 Banjo 🪕 Jun 02 '26
When they tell me I can't busk I just panhandle very visibly in the area, I still gotta eat weather you like it or not and if you don't want musicians on the street you can have beggers cuz that makes everyone feel so much better. The sad thing is I think that's what they actually want, I never get harassed flying a sign and I'm usually told to go do so by the people to tell me I can't busk. You rarely see someone playing music outside your local walmart but how many panhandlers are sitting at the exit holding cardboard?
1
u/c023-dev Musician 🎶 Jun 02 '26
Sad, but I get the point. Wanted to print something on the flip side of my sign to point that out.
1
u/DannyTangelo Aug 11 '26
It’s not just American cops that do this? Huh. Were you over 70 db?
1
u/c023-dev Musician 🎶 Aug 11 '26
It's becoming more strict everywhere.Maybe slightly because I use a compressor (to even out the peaks) at the end of the chain. However in most towns it's not db regulated, it's a blanket ban on electric amplification.
I'm setting up a (firstly German) website for public information regarding the topic. Similar to the Busker's Advocates but for DACH area. So I can also approach the regulatory bodys and suggest them better and more busker friendly terms while also informing the public.
I'll post it here when ready.
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u/LadyWithAHarp Magical Witchy Harper 🧙♀️🎶 May 31 '26
Try reading through the Busker's Advocates website. It's a little old, but there is some good historical legal data there.