Costumed Impersonator arrested at Hollywood and Highland

Can't say this is a surprise:

A Spider-Man impersonator was arrested on outstanding criminal warrants today after an incident in which he allegedly slugged a man near the Hollywood and Highland complex, Los Angeles police said.

[snip]

The victim, who said he was hit in the face and arms, refused to press charges against the costumed impersonator. But Lewis said that when they discovered the warrants, he was booked. She said it appeared the suspect and victim knew each other.

The costumed superheroes and celebrity impersonators who work Hollywood Boulevard in front of Hollywood and Highland and the Chinese Theater are, sadly, a Hollywood institution.

An institution which must be changed.

Nothing against a person trying to earn a honest day's pay, but there needs to be some serious regulation of these characters. The City should develop a set of rules and regulations, similar to the system created for Venice Beach (the P-Zones and the I-Zones), but modified for the unique geographic and physical situation in Hollywood.

Yes, regulation. A little regulation never hurts.

These new rules and regulations should include a requirement that the costumed characters and celebrity impersonators apply for a "public expression permit" and to agree to comply with all applicable ordinances and permit regulations. Those characters who refuse to abide by the rules or otherwise violate the terms of the permit can be prohibited from performing from Hollywood Boulevard. With regulation, in time, the Boulevard will be better place for everyone; both for the performers working the sidewalks and for the tourists who come to see them. The bad apples shouldn't ruin what is, at its core, one of Hollywood's more entertaining attractions.