New licensing restrictions on buskers in Camden have been declared lawful by the High Court.
Comedians Mark Thomas and Bill Bailey and musician Billy Bragg are among celebrities who protested over changes introduced after noise complaints by residents.
Busking without a licence is to become a criminal offence in Camden, punishable with fines of up to £1,000. Bragg, who used to busk in London, said licensing would hurt a fundamental aspect of British culture.
But Mrs Justice Patterson ruled today Camden Council’s policy was “both necessary and proportionate”.
The ruling was a defeat for the Keeping Streets Live Campaign, which was ordered to pay £7,500 in costs. Appeal permission was refused, meaning the campaigners must now face the Court of Appeal.
