Seattle's Busker Oppression Will Not Stand
Hey, we made the Los Angeles Times: "In a ruling with potentially wide implications for street artists throughout the West, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday struck down curbs imposed by Seattle on those performing at the popular Seattle Center, home of the landmark Space Needle."
It took seven years, but Michael "Magic Mike" Berger has prevailed in his suit against the city's requirements that street performers get permits and badges, not ask for tips, avoid "captive audiences," and stay in little safe-to-perform zones. This brings up a conversation we were having just the other day--is Seattle Center a city-run tourist operation or is it a public park?
We understand there's a good chance the city will spend a good deal more taxpayer money on an appeal. The City of Seattle--We Just Know Better Than You What You Like (SM).
