This is not a new idea. In the mid 80's the Island of Jersey (Channel Islands - North Atlantic), used to hold auditions for outdoor entertainers for the following season. They were paid a nominal amount by the Council and made up their wages through tips. It was said that they could live very well in the ensuing nine months on the money they earned during the season.

The standard of busking was always very high. Their pitches were on the tourist map and seating was provided. The competition to become an official busker was fierce.

Unofficial buskers, when caught, were arrested, and detained at Mont Orgee and given menial tasks to perform on a daily basis till one week after the season ended. They then went in front of the magistrates. The punishment was always the same - any and all tips were confiscated and distributed to the poor of the island and the miscreant was banished for a number of months equal to the full years of their life.

The year I visited the island, the bag pipes lost out to a form of Uillean Pipes that were played a young girl from France.

Regards

Chas