REGULATE TIMES SQUARE COSTUMED CHARACTERS?

         NEW YORK - Should the costumed characters in Times Square who pose for photos with tourists for tips---the likes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Batman and Spiderman---

be regulated by New York City?

          If you ask NYC Councilman Andy King, the answer is yes.

          He is proposing legislation that would require these customed characters to be licensed, wear photo IDs and be forced to stay a distance away from subway entrances and

stores.

          A number to altercations between the costumed characters with police and tourists prompted the licensing proposal.  King said the legislation "is strictly about safety in the

City of New York."  He also wants to have these characters pay a fee to the city for a two-year license and have to undergo a criminal background check.

          The costumed characters---predominately blacks and hispanic---aren't happy with the proposed regulation of their activities on the streets of Times Square.

          Jose Martinez, who dresses as Batman, said this effort is in violatiotion of his free speech rights.    "I have the right to stand in Times Square and dress the way I want," he

added.