It is not an offence to beg on the street. Though if a beggar was to behave in a manner that caused the public alarm, e.g. shouting or acting in an intimidating manner, then they may be committing a breach of the peace.
It is however, an offence for a person to cause or procure a child under 16 years of age to beg. If you are concerned or alarmed by the behaviour of a beggar then you should inform the police who will then investigate.
It is not an offence to beg in a public place. However if a beggar behaves in an intimidating or aggressive manner they may commit a breach of the peace
Big Issue sellers are registered and have to complete a training course and sign a code of conduct before they are allowed to sell the magazine. The code of conduct basically lists the rules that the seller must abide by. The sellers are not employed by the Big Issue they are effectively self-employed.
All registered Big Issue sellers have to wear an ID badge whilst selling the magazine. If the seller is not wearing an ID badge then do not buy the magazine. If you have any problems, comments or queries about Big Issue sellers then contact the Big Issue:
Email vendor.comments@bigissue.com
Glasgow: 01413 527 280
General enquiries: 02075 263 200/ 02075 263 444
Busking in itself is not illegal although many local authorities have passed byelaws prohibiting busking. If you want to busk it is worth contacting your local authority to see if any byelaws have been passed with regards to busking. Children under 14 years may not busk.
