ST. LOUIS – Not long ago, anyone with $25 could get an annual license to perform in the City of St. Louis. That’s not the case today. Buskers must audition before an administrative assistant in the Street Department. Those who pass the talent test, then have to pay $100 per person for an annual license that can be yanked without notice. Representing two musicians, the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri filed a suit on May 8, 2013, challenging the City of St. Louis’ unconstitutional busking policies.
“Not only do St. Louis’ busking ordinances outlaw expressive activity that is protected by the First Amendment, they also violate the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it is unclear where performances are forbidden,” says Tony Rothert, legal director of the ACLU-EM. “Even carolers could face arrest for singing at public places in St. Louis.”
A copy of the complaint can be found on the legal dockets page of the ACLU-EM’s website.