Hollywood Boulevard street performers could be facing a crackdown after Wednesday’s Los Angeles City Council vote.
The Council voted 11-0, with four members absent, to approve a motion to create a “Hollywood Entertainment Zone, defined as encompassing the public sidewalks on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard between Highland Avenue and Orange Drive.”
Hollywood Boulevard, particularly the area near the TCL Chinese Theatre, is famous for featuring people dressed as superheroes and other movie characters, who pose for pictures with tourists for money. People also sell CDs and do other types of street performing.
However, the Los Angeles Police Department has long advocated for restrictions in the area, citing fights that have broken out between the costumed performers, obstruction of city sidewalks and situations that have arisen between performers and tourists over money.
Under the motion, performers would have to obtain a pass to work in the designated zone, with only 20 passes given out each day.
The motion will now go to the City Attorney’s office to draft an ordinance. Should the Council approve the ordinance, it will become law.
“The number of visitors in this area of Hollywood and the amount of activity taking place there create unique challenges for public safety,” the motion reads.
“The City should ensure that it is dedicating adequate public safety resources to the area, in order to maintain a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for residents and visitors to the area.”