City of Sydney: New CBD restrictions proposed for fire buskers, street performers

A council crackdown on Sydney buskers using fire in their acts has sparked backlash from street performers with claims the council is acting like the “fun police”.

A council crackdown on Sydney buskers using fire in their acts has sparked backlash from street performers with claims the council is acting like the “fun police”.

The City of Sydney has released a proposal to limit the use of fire in busking acts due to concerns over potential “environmental” impacts from open flames in busy CBD public areas.

The crackdown follows a 2018 review of the council’s busking code which supported an unrestricted approach to the use of fire in street performances.

The changes means buskers will only be able to use fire in specific locations determined as “suitable” by the council with fines of $110 applicable for buskers caught doing the wrong thing.

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the restrictions were aimed at addressing environmental concerns such as fire being used in proximity to overhanging trees or the potential for fuel to run-off into waterways.

Fire twirler Saar Markovitch described the restrictions as a move towards a “nanny state” and could drive buskers out of the CBD.

Street performer Sam Prest has hit out at the proposed restrictions.

“For a lot of people busking is their profession and it’s ridiculous because it will impact the income they rely on,” he said. “I don’t see fire being any more harmful than other street acts – if you can juggle with swords, why can’t you use fire?

“I think it’s a loss for the entertainment in Sydney because it adds a lot to the culture and restricting it sends the wrong message”.

Fire twirler Saar Markovitch said the restrictions could drive buskers out of the CBD.

The City of Sydney stressed the restrictions on the use of open flames had “come about because of environmental not safety concerns”.

A council spokeswoman said special busking sites where fire could be used are currently being considered, including parts of Martin Place and Hyde Park.

“Restricting the use of open flames reduces the risk of impact of spilt fuels and flammable chemicals on pavements and pathways and potential run-off into waterways,” she said.

“The majority of buskers in Sydney follow the Sydney busking code and we strongly support street performance in the city.

The council said Martin Place could be a suitable location for fire acts.

“After trialling an approach with buskers which allowed the use of open flames to any busker with a high impact permit, we decided it was best to keep fire acts to designated suitable open spaces.

“These are locations where there is open space to safely perform acts, no overhanging trees or buildings, and where spilt fuel won’t easily run-off into waterways.”

Mr Markovitch said the use of fire in street performances had a minimal environmental impact, partly due to the use of Isopar G firelight which burns longer traditional fuels.

Buskers using fire also have to apply for council permits as well as passing rigorous safety and assessment screening by the Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association.

“I think there’s a perception the use of fire is more harmful than it actually is and I’ve never heard of an overhanging tree being caught on fire by a fire performer,” Mr Markovitch said.

“The fuel we use dissipates very quickly and when you’re in a group you only need one litre and it will last the course of a whole night. The average car spills more fuel.”

Sam Prest, who has been performing on CBD streets for the last 15 years, said Sydney was becoming an increasingly onerous city for buskers to perform in.

Fire performer Sam Prest.

“Right now we’re in a place of coming out of two years of isolation and governments are saying we need art, creativity and to bring cities to life and at the same time they’re making it absolutely impossible for that to happen,” he said. “Instead of adding extra restrictions they should be opening up more opportunities for local artists.

“Street performers who draw large crowds are not just performers, we bring energy and elements like fire are an important part of creating that.”

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said it would take an “educational approach” to the restrictions before issuing buskers with fines.

“Where there is a misunderstanding around the code … rangers will explain to the performer they need to modify or pause the performance. In the rare cases of a repeated breach of the code, the busker may be issued with a fine of over $110 and the city will review their permit,” she said.

The City of Sydney said other suitable locations for fire acts to perform could include Darling Harbour, which comes under separate rules and restrictions set by Place Management NSW.