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City Tour Guides File Lawsuit Over New Regulations

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Jul 2, 2008 5:00 pm US/Eastern

City Tour Guides File Lawsuit Over New Regulations

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― A group of Philadelphia tour guides are challenging the city's plans to enact a licensing system before guides can hit the historic city streets.

The bill, passed into law in April, would require tour guides to pass an exam and pay for a license. Beginning in the fall, those not officially certified are subject to a fine.

A lawsuit filed by current tour guides Mike Tait, Josh Silver and Ann Bourlais along with the Institute of Justice claim the law is an infringement on their right to free speech.

"The city of Philadelphia is trying to claim that is has the power who may speak and who may not and under our Constitution, that's simply unacceptable," said Robert McNamara of the Institute of Justice.

The group believe the new regulations would have a negative impact on small and independent businesses.

"What's next? Are you going to start licensing comedians to guarantee the delivery they have is funny," Boulais said. "Where does it stop?"

The city argues the law is necessary to prevent guides from disturbing false information.

The law would affect all guides from walking tours to Duck boat drivers. Violators would face a fine of $300.




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