A summer spike in costumed characters misbehaving in Times Square - most recently a Spider-Man accused of punching a police officer - has turned up the heat on plans to regulate the Elmos and Cookie Monsters who often demand money for posing with tourists.
"This has gone too far," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "It's time to take some real steps to regulate this."
There also have been reports of a brawl between two Statues of Liberty, and a man dressed as Woody from Toy Story groping women.
Two City Council members have drafted proposals requiring licensing and background checks.
But there may be a hitch. Legal experts say the proposals could violate free-speech rights. At issue: whether the characters are a form of street performance, protected by the First Amendment, or a commercial activity subject to regulation. - AP