Busking in the Dorset Council area

When you need a licence

Busking is not usually considered a licensable activity under the Licensing Act 2003 but you may need a temporary event notice if you are holding an event where buskers are the main attraction. You don't need a licence for unamplified live music between the hours of 8am and 11pm.

If you want to sell any goods, such as CDs and merchandise, you may need street trading consent.

Getting permission from the landowner

You must get permission from the landowner to busk. This may be:

• the town council, particularly if the area you want to busk in is by the beach or seafront
• a private landowner such as shopping centres, railway and bus stations. 

What you need to consider

Busking is not illegal but you should ensure you are:

• not making too much noise
• not blocking public highways (footpaths, pavements, open pedestrian areas)
• not displaying notices asking for payment
• not using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or written material