Leicester Square busking ban comes into force after court ruling

The suspension of two busking performance pitches in London’s Leicester Square has come into force after a court ruling.

Westminster City Council’s ban is until further notice and applies to all licensed and unlicensed buskers and street entertainers in the area.

It follows a case between Global Radio and the council where a judge ordered the local authority to stop the “nuisance” caused by buskers.

Anyone who flouts the new rules may face enforcement that includes a fine, equipment being seized or their licence being taken off them, a Westminster City Council spokesperson said.

The action follows an abatement order that was issued against the council by the City of London Magistrates’ Court on 26 March.

It is understood Westminster City Council will explore its grounds of appeal and revisions to its busking and street entertainment licensing regime.

Earlier this month, Matt Noble, a Labour councillor for Westminster City Council, said although street performers were “much-loved” the authority had a legal obligation to act.

Mr Noble added that street performers were not being banned across Westminster.