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zentao New user 90 Posts |
Hi all, I've been researching some of the rules and regulations for my local area and neighbouring areas with regards busking. Whilst there is currently no licence requirement to busk in the areas I'm considering there are a list of rules to abide by. One of those rules is that it is not permitted to ask for contributions, doing so constitutes begging and you face potential arrest and prosecution.
This pretty much throws out any hat lines, I'm assuming the only option is to do like the musicians do and put out a hat, bucket whatever on the floor and hope for generosity. Anybody come across rules like this before? How did you work round it? How can you increase tips without asking for them? As always, advice greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. |
SleightlyChris Veteran user Lancashire, England 360 Posts |
Yes, Virginia Beach is in the same. I'm not entirely sure about norfolk. I just do it. But my set up for it is I have an area in front of my table with a sign that reads "Magic show 4 Wedding Money!" (I'm actually getting married so it's not entirely a con haha) Normally people will look at that. Hope this helps!
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tom hughes Loyal user 225 Posts |
Similar rule in my town... I just ignore it. You could, of course say something along the lines of; "Ladies and gentlemen, as a busker in this fair town I am not allowed to ask or solicit you for tips... but if I WAS ALLOWED TO I would probably say something like...." and then just go to your hat line.
Probably best to just ignore it tho... asking forgiveness is better than asking permission. tom
http://www.ashevillemagic.com
http://www.themagictomshow.com magician/magic show in asheville w.n.c. |
imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Madison Wisconsin had same laws. Could not even have a sign out saying "tips". Could have basket/hat. But no lines or signs made it tough. Musicians did okay as folks understood what the change in the case was about.
I think I remember Ed Rhodes talking about similar restrictions in his neck of woods. He'd have a volunteer come up and read the statue about no asking for money. But got the point across in a very devious manner...wish I'd thought of it when back in Wisconsin.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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bigfoot Special user 502 Posts |
Have any of you called the ACLU regarding these roadblocks. The first ammendment does cover this in detail regarding speech, expression, etc. I'm not sure how well you will do with them but it does not hurt to give them a call. It's possible that your call will land on the right ears that can make things happen for you.
For the record accepting money in your hat can be concidered a form of self expression. If nothing else they can clear up why a local government can potentially "infringe" on any rights one might have. _ |
NYCTwister Loyal user 267 Posts |
This a violation of the first amendment. It's been ruled that panhandling is also protected, so long as it's not aggressive.
These rules get put into place by foolish politicians, pandering to one or two outraged constituents, and are usually beaten back when challenged in court. They rely on peoples fear of arrest. On the flip side if you go through the arrest, and get it dismissed, there is usually a payday when you sue for violation of your rights. This is an ongoing battle. Good luck.
If you need fear to enforce your beliefs, then your beliefs are worthless.
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Endless West Regular user A town called Malice 185 Posts |
Spend your day in jail.
Get the law overturned for all others. Make a couple of thousand off the city in the end. |
SleightlyChris Veteran user Lancashire, England 360 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 14, 2016, Endless West wrote: Does it stay on your record? |
bigfoot Special user 502 Posts |
I believe that it must be removed if it is rights violation. Calling the ACLU ahead can often give a get out if jail free card if they contact the city ahead if you. However getting caught and calling after is an almost automatic call to that city.
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Nick W Special user 515 Posts |
Imgic, who said you cant ask for tips there? when were you there?
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 12, 2016, imgic wrote: I didn't use a volunteer. I would do something big, usually the Shanghi Shackle and as I was tied up I would say; "Ladies and gentlemen, my license with the city of Providence allows me to perform for tips as long as there is no direct solicitation for funds. Therefore, I will never make a direct solicitation for funds. I will never tell you to give me money, that would be rude. And I will never beg you to please give me money, that would be pathetic. I simply point out, in the city of Providence, that tipping is not something done with cows." I have had several police watch my show and no one (except one hard case who thought the actual bucket sitting on the sidewalk was a 'direct solicitation for funds' itself) has ever said word one about my speech at the end of the show.
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
I got around a similar rule here by promoting saying it's a free magic show the whole time, then at the end saying "While this is and always will be a completely free show, it is what I do for a living and do accept donations that allow me to stay out here entertaining folks like you"
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strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
I've actually started doing that almost exclusively, in my experience people are happier to donate to a free show than get yelled at about how rude it would be not to tip
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cheesewrestler Inner circle Chicago 1157 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 3, 2016, strat1227 wrote: "And for a $50 donation, you'll receive this lovely tote bag ..." |
strat1227 Regular user Florida 189 Posts |
Hahaha, precisely
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
I remember MANY years ago, I went to the WorldCon when it was being held in Boston. One of the things in the dealer's room was a life sized statue of Yoda. Now, as Yoda was a copyrighted figure, they were told they couldn't offer the figure for sale. But they put together a multicolored piece of lucite and put it in Yoda's hand saying it was "Yoda's credit card." The highest bidder for Yoda's credit card would get the Yoda statue for free!
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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LoganPorterMagic Regular user 137 Posts |
Quote:
On Jan 12, 2016, SleightlyChris wrote: Will you keep the sign after you get married??? |
bigfoot Special user 502 Posts |
Quote:
On Feb 3, 2016, ed rhodes wrote: You know Ed that is fantastic. I can see that actually raking in more that way. |
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