How Are Street Performer Permits Legal In California?

[spedew]

Hello, I've seen my friend perform at the promenade and Santa Monica pier without a permit. Both times I went with him he was told by officers that he needed to acquire a permit or he could be fined and even arrested if he refused to leave. What I'm trying to understand is how this is legal in the city of Santa Monica. I thought our first amendment gave us the right of freedom of speech in a public place and gave us freedom of expression. He expresses his self by singing. If he were to go back there and perform and get arrested how is that legal if both of those locations are publicly accessed places? He's already gotten the permit but I want to understand for myself because I really don't know how something like that could be legal. If you're a lawyer and could explain this to me that would be great.

[Mamyalynne]

//Street Performer Permit
Per Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 6.112.010, the City of Santa Monica believes that street performers enhance the character of the City, but that gathered crowds can cause serious safety problems and impact the abilities of personnel and pedestrians to navigate. The Chapter was written to balance the rights of First Amendment activities for street performers with the safety of the performers, their audience, local businesses, and the general public. It includes time, place, and manner restrictions in regards to public performances.//

[Peter Pedant]

First amendment right is not absolute

Snowden is an obvious example.
Came up again in America on the matter of leaks