Making a complaint to police.

This incident provides a handy example of how to make a complaint to police when mistreated under lockdown laws.
“I was approached by an officer (2377) today whilst working as a busker in Norton, who insisted I move on under the Coronavirus regulations as he claimed my work was ‘non-essential’ and threatened me with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
I politely tried to explain to him that you can leave home for work purposes “where it is not reasonably possible for that person to work, or provide those services” from home according to the law itself.
In addition the guidance to the law clarifies that “The government is NOT saying that only people doing ‘essential’ work can go to work. ANYONE who cannot work from home can still go to work” This seems abundantly clear.
A statement from my union, the Musicians’ Union, in line with government authorities says “busking is allowed for work purposes as long as it is not encouraging mass crowds. Audiences will need to adhere to the appropriate social distancing guidelines.”
There was no crowd, no issue of social distancing, and there had also been no complaints about the nature of my performance.
The officer was abrasive in nature and refused to listen to what I was saying, despite having screenshots of the above information on my phone. He claimed that what I was saying was my ‘opinion’ or ‘interpretation’ despite the fact that I was reading the law and guidance word for word.
He talked over me constantly and insisted I “show some respect’ and wait until he had finished then once he had and I took my turn to speak he walked away from me and turned his back, before returning to reiterate that he would take enforcement action if I didn’t move on.
I am concerned that police officers are unaware of the true content of the Coronavirus regulations. Even when presented with the exact wording from the government’s own website this officer chose to ignore it and insist on his own interpretation.
Although I am repeating myself I would like to emphasise that the government guidance does not distinguish between essential and non-essential work. You can go to work where it is ‘unreasonable to do your job from home’. Clearly, as a self-employed street musician, it is not possible for me to do this from home.”

Rainbow Funktion

Rainbow Funktion
On August 17th we hosted an event at Rainbow Junction in Leeds. Part of our program of collaborating with like-minded community and/or non-profit organisations. We entertained the lunchtime diners, and also had the chance for a post-lockdown catch up. The event was broadcast on our Keep Streets Live Streams channel.
Thanks to those musicians who took part:

Rainbow Junktion is a Pay-As-You-Feel community café based at All Hallows’ Church, 24 Regent Terrace, Leeds LS6 1NP

We intercept waste food produce to create healthy meals every Monday, Thursday and Friday for whoever walks in the door. Everyone is welcome.

We have 3 course lunch available, plus WIFI, phone charging and basic food shopping.

If you would like to volunteer then please email volunteer@rainbowjunktion.org.uk
www.instagram.com/rainbowjunktion

Westminster: Joint Statement

Westminster: Joint Statement

Joint Statement on Westminster City Council’s new proposals for the licensing of busking

 

We stand firmly against the proposals to criminalise unlicensed busking in the Westminster area, including Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. 

 

We have attempted to engage with the council throughout the process and suggested proven, viable alternatives. It will have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of street entertainers in the area and their families if the proposed licensing scheme is introduced.

 

When people think of Covent Garden, they immediately think of the world-class levels of entertainment that are on offer in the form of street performers. When people think of the West End, they think of the amazing artistic and cultural scene that exists here. But these restrictions will make the West End essentially a “no-go zone” for buskers.

 

Anti-social busking benefits nobody, and we are not suggesting a free-for-all. But current legislation can easily be used against buskers causing a genuine nuisance. There are laws in place against amplification being used late at night, for example. The council claim a lack of resources and yet are setting aside over £200,000 over the next three years to implement a licence scheme that could be better spent on implementing the laws they’re currently ignoring.

 

During the worst crisis for the arts in living memory, we call on Westminster Council to scrap their plans for licensing and work with street performers to create a system that works for everyone. 

 

Signed by:

  • The Musicians’ Union
  • Equity
  • Keep Streets Live
  • Covent Garden Street Performers Association
  • Westminster Street Performer Association
  • The Busking Project