Busker fined £200 for breaking Covid rules by playing his piano in the street

A BUSKER was fined £200 for breaking Covid rules by playing his piano in the street.

Alistair Lawrence was accused of creating a crowd despite busking being lawful.

Covid marshals alerted police to the pianist on Saturday in York city centre, where he has played for 20 years.

Musician Alistair insisted it was his business — providing documents including tax returns to prove it — and that he could not work from home.

But cops threatened arrest when his partner took over on the keys.

Alistair said: “It was shocking and heavy handed.

“We did play the Laurel and Hardy theme when they came over which maybe didn’t help.”

The Musician’s Union said busking as work was legal but must not draw an audience.