Permit Issues

As I've said, soon (1 May) I'm off to California to try my hand at busking at Venice Beach, the Third Promenade, and any other place I think I can get away with it. Unfortunately, this has put me up against the same problem that buskers have been facing for a very long time: the issue of permits.

Now busking is considered an expression of free speech. I don't rightly care if you think it should be, it is. The Supreme Court has upheld this many times as have many appeals courts across the United States.

I can see your brain cogs a whirling! If it's free speech, you're asking yourself. "How can you need a permit? Ah, there's the rub! The courts have said that while busking is free speech, the city may also require a permit to busk. This started out the cities issuing permits for hundreds of dollars a piece. Well the courts didn't too much like that either, so they said that while you may require a permit, the permit may cost no more than the amount of money to create and administer it.

That's right! And still cities require permits. But I found out where to go about getting permits to perform at the locations I'm wanting to busk at, and here is that information in a handy little bundle for you:


"Venice Beach: Individuals interested in exercising free speech, public expression, or performance at the Venice Beach Boardwalk are required to obtain a Venice Beach Boardwalk Public Expression Permit. Permits can be obtained at the Venice Beach Park Office, located at 1800 Oceanfront Walk, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Photo permits are issued the same day. Individuals requesting a permit will need to bring photo ID, pay a one-time, $25.00 fee, and will be required to sign a statement that states they have read and understood the Venice Beach Boardwalk Guidelines. The guidelines are based on Los Angeles Municipal Code 42.15, which can be viewed online at www.cityofla.org."

"Santa Monica Pier: A street performer’s permit can be obtained at City Hall Permits Office, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The contact phone number is 310-458-8745. The fee is $37 for a street performer’s permit."

"Third Street Promenade: Street performers' licenses are issued out of Santa Monica City Hall at 1685 Main Street, Rm 103. Call 310-458-8745 for more information. An application may be obtained in person, and two passport-sized photos and a photo ID are required. The licensing office is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and alternate Fridays. The application process takes three days. The license fee is $37 per person for one year and runs from January 1 to December 31."


So there you are readers. Keep up to date as I jump through the red tape hoops.

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