Issue - meetings

The Senior Licensing Officer introduced the report, highlighting that 84.9% of respondents were in favour of introducing busking guidelines, and 72% felt the proposed guidelines were appropriate. If introduced, the guidelines would be kept under review. It was noted that the Licensing Team would not have powers of enforcement against Buskers.

The Committee expressed support for the guidelines proposed, with the request made for the fixed volume level section of the guidelines to be made clearer.

Several Members of the Committee felt that the Bandstand, Brenchley Gardens, would be a suitable location for Buskers. The Senior Licensing Officer confirmed that the location was managed by the Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Service area and that the Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee could be asked to consider its use.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The proposed Draft Maidstone Busking Guidelines as attached at Appendix 2 to the report be recommended for approval to the Community, Housing and Environment Committee for agreement; and

2.  The Economic Regeneration and Leisure Committee be recommended to ask the Communities, Housing and Environment Committee to approve the draft Busking Guidelines, with comments on the use of the Bandstand to be provided as appropriate.