Are there any legal restrictions on busking in Mexico City?

Are there any legal restrictions on busking in Mexico City? - Low Angle Photography of Brown Concrete Building

My nomadic sister is visiting me in Mexico City for a couple of weeks. Her normal mode of travel involves busking (playing music and/or singing in the streets) for money. She wants to do this in Mexico City. Can she do this with a standard tourist visa? Are there any other legal restrictions on this? Is a permit needed? Are there any places where it's not permitted?

Note: I realize Mexicans do this all the time, and I would be surprised if they all have permits, but I would not be surprised if they pay off an enforcement officer if they are ever challenged. As my sister doesn't speak Spanish, this could be a complicated matter, so naturally she prefers to operate above board if possible.






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Are there any legal restrictions on busking in Mexico City? - Person in Traditional Dress at the Street
Are there any legal restrictions on busking in Mexico City? - Orange Sunset
Are there any legal restrictions on busking in Mexico City? - People in Front of the Building



Do you need permission to go busking?

Busking is legal on public land. The only exceptions in London are the London Borough of Camden and Uxbridge Town Centre. Both of these areas require a performer to apply and pay for a licence.

Are there rules to busking?

Unless there are strict anti-busking laws in your area, it's usually OK to start performing on public property as long as you're not obstructing people or creating a nuisance. If you're asked or told to leave, and you don't know the law, the best practice is to just leave.

Do buskers need a music Licence?

No. Case law has established that it is the sole responsibility of the local authority - not the busker - to apply for a music licence. Public performances of music require a licence from the Performing Rights Society (PRS).

Can you perform on street?

If your area does not have a strict anti-busking law, you are allowed to perform on the public property without creating a nuisance and obstructing the people. If the local authorities tell you to leave the place, then it is better to leave that place if you do not have any legal document.



Busking the Blues in Mexico City (I got stopped 4 times!)




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Images: José Luis Photographer, Genaro Servín, Pixabay, Rafael Guajardo