What Are The Laws On Busking In Philadelphia?

Factual Questions
1

I’ve tried street performing in Philly before. I’d like to try it again this summer. But, I am very confused on where and when exactly in the city it is legal to busk and what laws I need to be aware of.

I have done some Googling. I turned up this

[QUOTE=BuskerAdvocates.org]
Philadelphia, PA: SP, M, SUB, F. Still hassles; Chestnut Street area best. Attorney Paul Messing won law suits for saxaphone artist Byrad Lanacaster against the Philadelphia transit system (SEPTA) in 2002 and 2003 with $15,000 and $18,000 damages. Attorney Paul Messing won law $27,500 settlement for flutist Felix Wilkins against the Philadelphia in 2007 for arrest on corner of 18th and Chestnut Streets (U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez approved the settlement). Transit system and city agreed performances are legal. Court cases also over performances in Rittenhouse Square. Details: http://www.goodiegoodie.com/Gg/The_Spread/Arrested-Street-Fluitist-Gets-27k.gg
[/QUOTE]

I’ve seen cops walk right past performers in Philly. But, I’ve also had times when the cops told to me to move on.

Thanks in advance for any help.

2

You can dial 311 and find out but there’s no licensing requirements on their L&I page. If you do it on septa property there is a permit you have to apply for (I think it’s more to make sure you have talent than anything else).

3

You don’t busk in Philadelphia. You mum.

4

SteadierFooting

Thank you. So, they don’t sell licenses. This means either that busking is unregulated in Philly, or that it is banned outright. I’m still not sure which.

I had an unpleasant experience with the police on the steps of the Franklin Institute. I wasn’t even performing there. I had just stopped by for some astronaut ice cream from the gift shop. I was so rattled I forgot to ask why they weren’t bothering the drummer performing at the base of the steps.

Mummery is special and near sacred. If I had a few grand to drop on sequins and ostrich feathers, I’d be a Fancy.

5

Here is link for info regarding public performing in SEPTA areas:

http://www.septa.org/policy/perform.html

6

Thank you very much! This clears up 96% of my questions on busking and Septa. I remain confused about the rest of Philadelphia.