do impromptu henna sessions in Davis square need a permit?

[mmancuso.livejournal.com]

After a fair bit of scouring in the archives, I regret that I found nothing related to my question, so:

At what level of visibility would an artist earning money/tips for (temporary) henna tattoos in davis square plaza start getting into trouble?* I imagine this would go also for musicians. I am not good enough or interested enough to set up even a blanket. However, while I was doing a tattoo for a friend --we happened to be sitting on the metal tables by JP Licks, which I can't imagine would be a problem-- a passerby was politely interested and might well have gotten one if I had encouraged her. It would be fun, after all, to draw for tips! I could imagine being out there several nights a week, drawing sketches on paper, accepting the occasional passerby for a tattoo, earning coffee money, but then maybe I'm on crack.

I am aware of the health and allergy concerns of doing this kind of work, and I'm not qualified yet to offer this service "professionally" to the public at large, but I wondered what level of organization/regularity constitutes the need for some kind of permit. I participate in ArtBeat for other art, and realize that we can't all be hawking our wares all the time, or the pleasantness of the square would be somewhat diminished. So maybe it's a bad idea socially.

Thanks!

* FYI: Henna is a plant which releases a brownish dye into the skin and lasts for 7-10 days. Safe, no needles Very portable.

Comments

[inahandbasket]

For what it's worth, Somerville has no licensing or anything for street musicians, you just setup and play.

[ron_newman]

It does have some limits on loudness and hours, but I don't know specifics.

[mmancuso.livejournal.com]

Fortunately, I do draw quietly. [Sorry....]

[lerta.livejournal.com]

I would say, based on the lack of licensing for musicians, that you could probably just give it a try and see what happens. I think the worst outcome is that a cop will tell you you can't. "Better to ask forgiveness than permission" :)

[anomie666.livejournal.com]

I think its a bad idea.

I'm pretty sure you would need a venders license of some sort and I wouldn't take the chance of getting fined or arrested.

This is totally different than musical busking.

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

No kidding? Hmmmm, maybe I should tell friends of mine about that.

[ron_newman]

I tend to agree more with lerta above, but I really have no idea.

[ruxxell.livejournal.com]

REALLY?
awesome.

[anomie666.livejournal.com]

If they are concerned about it, maybe they should call the city to find out for sure.

[csbermack.livejournal.com]

You might want to ask one of the musicians about the unofficial norms associated with doing art for money in Davis.

[slinkr.livejournal.com]

Call 311 and ask. They should be able to help you.

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

you didn't know this? You weren't in the "Brian accidentally busking" discussion?

[an-art-worker.livejournal.com]

Don't ask - just do it

[hakamadare.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure you would need a venders license of some sort

so, here's the schedule of fees (http://www.somervillema.gov/CoS_Content/documents/CityClerkFees08-2009.pdf) (PDF) from the City Clerk's office. my best guess would be that you would qualify as either a "Hawker Peddler" or a "Transient Vendor", either of which require a $100 license, though of course i would recommend that you call 311 and get an authoritative answer.

i think you should totally do this, but get the license, and then you don't have to worry about being hassled or asking forgiveness.

-steve

[heartxbroadcast.livejournal.com]

really??? i know in harvard square, you gotta be 18 and have a permit to play. if i just take out my guitar and play, it'll be okay?? lol is it illegal if i put out a bucket for people to put money in?

[turil.livejournal.com]

I wanna be a "Hawker Peddler"! Alas, no $100.

Thanks for finding this info.

day passes?

[silencespeaker.livejournal.com]

heya,

i'm moving on monday from burlington, vt to davis square so i don't have much info for you on specific permits and such. but most cities offer *day* permits and such to artisans and musicians at significantly lower rates than the regular permits. usually you have to go to the city hall or sometimes the local library can tell you where else the permits are offered. one thing about henna - if it were me, i'd bring the henna package with you so you can prove that the ingredients are safe. i've been seeing a lot of material out about the 'black henna' scare (another chemical, only approved for use in chinese hairdye, that, if used on the skin, leaves a beautiful black stain followed by sometimes-permanent chemical burns). most retailed henna is fine, though.

also, if you need a supply of good powder, my last job bought it wholesale from india so i could easily get you some at a great price. and if you ever want a partner, or just want someone to practice on (and maybe i could pay, or give cookies in return or something), let me know!

thanks and good luck!