Designating Areas for Busking without a Licence

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether certain areas can be designated in localities, such as Chinatown, for community groups to perform in public without a busking licence; and (b) if not (i) why not and (ii) whether such groups can be granted a busking licence.

Mr David Neo: The Public Entertainments Act provides the regulatory frameworks for public entertainment and arts entertainment. These frameworks ensure that the performances and works staged uphold public interest and, at the same time, that public safety, public order and community norms are preserved.

In the case of busking, the Public Entertainments (Exemptions) Order requires prospective buskers to apply for a Letter of Endorsement (LOE) from the National Arts Council (NAC), in place of a Public Entertainment License or Arts Entertainment License.

Through the LOE regime, NAC maintains oversight of the quality of busking activities and manages the use of designated busking spaces in land-scarce Singapore. NAC works with venue owners and authorities to designate locations suitable for busking activities, so as to enhance vibrancy without causing local disamenities. This framework has worked well in helping to prevent and pre-empt disagreements among buskers, as well as between buskers and different community groups, over the use of space.

Community groups who are interested in busking at NAC-designated busking locations may apply for an LOE through auditions with NAC. NAC will continue to work with venue owners to review the list of designated busking locations.