Performing in Public Areas

The borough manager has issued an administrative policy pertaining to performing in outdoor public areas. The policy was subsequently revised on 6/28/16 to address a First Amendment concern expressed by a citizen.  Performing in outdoor public areas is referred to by the term "busking."  Every busker wishing to perform within the Haines Borough in a public area is subject to this policy. 

Haines Borough
Administrative Policy

Busking Performance Policy

Applicable to: All persons seeking to perform in public areas of the borough. This policy outlines standards and requirements:
Effective Date: June 23, 2016

1. Thank you for your interest in performing within the Borough of Haines. Buskers are permitted to perform in public areas within the Haines Borough, adding to the community and cultural experience. In order to provide an atmosphere in which these performances can occur without disrupting the other activities within the borough, follow the guidelines below:

a. Buskers may perform in public areas, except within 200 feet of a school, private residence (not their own), or church while in session, a clinic or funeral at any time, and except in public areas excluded by the Borough Manager.

b. Buskers shall not block roadways, sidewalks, crosswalks, driveways, stairways, curb cuts, handicapped access ramps nor block access to buildings, vessels, parks, businesses, or be within 20 feet of a fire hydrant. If the performance attracts a crowd sufficient to obstruct the public right-of-way, a peace officer may disperse the portion of the crowd that is creating the obstruction.

c. Buskers shall not perform before the hour of 9:00 am and after the hour of 9:00 pm.

d. Buskers shall remove all props, trash and other items from the public immediately after the performance ends.

e. Throughout the cruise ship season (May-September), performances are permitted on the cruise ship dock, as long as buskers are considerate of other nearby performances, vendors and do not impede the point of embarkation nor violate the port security zone.

f. Buskers may not actively solicit donations. A donation container is permitted.

g. Buskers may not amplify sound.

h. Buskers, who possess a business license issued by the Borough of Haines, may display and offer for sale CDs or other recordings of their music, but may not actively solicit sales.

i. Buskers shall provide performances, including lyrics that are appropriate for all ages.

j. There is no vehicle access for buskers to the cruise ship area. Buskers shall only park their vehicles in designated public parking areas.

2. This policy is pursuant to titles 5 and 12 of the Haines Borough Code.