This is a follow up of what happened to Tony Twist and myself, after busking in Uxbridge town centre.

After twisting for two hours we got asked to leave from another balloon trader. To keep the peace we did as he asked, yet he still threaterned to complain to the council, as he paid for a licence to trade, yet we as buskers had not.

Tony decided to phone Hillingdon council to fully understand "our" rights. He asked the lady involved and asked if we are allowed to busk in Uxbridge town centre. She said YES, we have no problem with buskers! Tony said he was pleased, as we were balloon busking on Saturday and was asked to leave. She then changed her tune. She explained that she had a complaint from the other balloon guy and what we were doing was NOT busking. Tony argued the fact that we were not selling balloons, but entertaining the crowd and we ask for tips, but she refused to accept this as busking, saying buskers are only musicians and that we are not allowed to balloon in her county!

Is this balloon discrimination or what?!?

Any thoughts or comments?

If she bans us, will it be an illegal offense if we go against her will (not suggesting I will, just interested as a fact)?

Kind regards,
Popsie the fugative clown illegal balloon blowing guy!

Arrghh - PETTY OFFICIALS, :twisted:  :twisted:   I have to deal with them all day.  

The one word every council in the country is frightened of is 'discrimination' you only have to hint to them that you will bring a discrimination case and they will back pedal like mad - tell them the dictionary does not say that busking is confined solely to musical performances and ask them to produce the legislation or council policy that says it is.

Alternatively - can you do balloons and play a tin whistle at the same time?

The definitions

BUSKER - an itinerant entertainer

BUSKING - the practice of performing in public places for tips and gratuities. People engaging in this practice are called buskers. Busking performances can be just about anything that people find entertaining.

yes what a cheek one breath yes we allow buskin in the next no not balloon modeling............

 i was so frustrated and annoyed

yourdictionary.com
busk...to perform for money as a singer OR strolling entertainer in public places

merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busking
busking...a person who entertains in a public place for donations
(is balloon twisting not entertaining???)

thefreedictionary.com/busk
busk...to play music OR perform entertainment in a public place, usually while soliciting money

also look here, theres a whole article on balloon busking,
wwwballoonhq.com/faq/twister_busking.html

erm these links wont work because i typed them in myself but thats where i got the info

I am reminded of the dictum:-

Its easier to say sorry than ask permission.

That sounds like a pretty good attitude for a busker to have in the face of things like this.

Henry

Wise words Henry!

Will have to bit my lip and say sorry, instead of up yours, which I will be thinking!

a street licence for our town is Free, you just have to apply. It may be worth asking the question

Pam

I HAVE FROM CIVIC CENTER AND GUESS WHAT THEY HAVE MADE A COMPLETE
U-TURN  WE HAVE NOW GOT FULL PERMISSION TO BUSK..........

WHOOOOPEEEEEEEEEE

Well done Tony that's good news.

Alls well that ends well, so happy for you Tony, keep on buskin  

Nice one Tony! Can you clarify? Have they given you permission to busk or have they said it is ok for people to busk without permission? Also, do you know if there are any restrictions, e.g. are you allowed to solicit for tips? Can you display a 'tips welcome' sign, etc.

Henry

Quote from: "Pam Pearce"a street licence for our town is Free, you just have to apply. It may be worth asking the question

Sounds good Pam, but are there any conditions, restrictions, etc? If not, what is the point in the need to apply? I know some councils require auditions, etc.

Henry

Yes henry they have now given us permission to busk all thanks to popsie for the great letter he drafted up for me to email
The funny thing is they give us a pitch closer to the foil balloon man who made the complaint we will be right in his view so by him complaining  put him in a worse position

Top marks goes out to popsie .. Well done
not forgetting MANDY for her help and support cheers Mandy ........

nice one guys

Well done and keep dry !!!  8-)