Times Square performers to be in zones; 3 arrested over tips

NEW YORK (AP) — Street performers dressed like Iron Man, the Hulk and Anna from "Frozen" accosted tourists in Times Square, demanded cash from them, refused to give them change and were arrested on Thursday just hours after the city started painting teal rectangles in pedestrian plazas to confine the costumed characters, police said.

The color-coded Designated Activity Zones are meant to rein in the pushy panhandlers who have flooded the area, in some cases harassing passers-by to take photos with them in exchange for tips.

On Thursday, Iron Man, the Hulk and Anna took photos with a man and a woman from Iowa, demanded tips and walked off without giving the tourists their requested change, a police spokesman said.

[...] attorney Linda Steinman, representing the Times Square Alliance business group, said the new rules are consistent with case law permitting restrictions on the time, place and manner of speech.