A contactless payment scheme for buskers in London is likely to be introduced in what in what organizers say is world's first.
Under London Mayor’s Busk in London initiative, street performers will be given contactless payment readers that allows them to accept a fixed amount of money from passers-by.
The scheme which has partnered with tech company iZettle would allow more Londoners to support the capital’s street performers via contactless payments, thanks to the new chip and pin readers. The feature has already been rolled out to performers in London’s 32 boroughs, with more planned in the coming months.
Buskin London initiative will provide contactless payment readers to accept a fixed amount of money from passers-by.
Launching the scheme, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London is a powerhouse of music, having produced artists from Adele to Stormzy, and The xx to Dua Lipa. For London to maintain its status as a global capital of music, it’s vitally important that we support the stars of tomorrow.
“Busking helps emerging artists to hone their talent and gives them the chance to perform in front of huge numbers of people. I’m delighted that iZettle has chosen London to launch this innovative scheme – allowing artists to accept donations by card payment, as well as cash,” Khan noted.
Meanwhile, full-time London busker Charlotte Campbell who has been trialing the project told Sky News that she believes, if street performers like her “don't adapt to the cashless society we are edging towards, we're at risk of becoming a dying art.”
"I've only trialed Repeat Payments for two weeks and it's already had a significant impact on the contributions I've received,” Campbell acknowledged.
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