Legislation aims to regulate Times Square characters
A New York City Council member wants to crack down on Mickey Mouse, Hello Kitty, Elmo and the other costumed characters that roam Times Square.
On Wednesday, Councilman Andy King introduced a bill that would require the performers to undergo a criminal background check and get an official license.
"My bill is intended to protect tourists who come to our city, the everyday New Yorkers and children who become overwhelmed and frightened when four to five costume characters approach them to make a dollar," he said in a statement.
The bill comes as many costumed characters band together -- joining a group called New York Artists United for a Smile -- to fight for their rights to perform in public.
Yet, not all Times Square performers are joining the collective. Iconic Times Square fixture The Naked Cowboy isn't opting in, saying he'd rather stand on his own individual reputation.
"I'm not going to join that group," he says. "I think it's silly."