July 28, 2014 - 1:47 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Cookie Monster may soon need a license.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that he believes the people wearing character costumes in Times Square should be licensed and regulated.
Dozens of people — dressed as kids' favourites like Elmo, Cookie Monster and Batman — stand near 42nd Street and pose for photos with tourists in exchange for money.
De Blasio said the practice has "gone too far."
A man dressed as Spider-Man was arrested Saturday after allegedly punching a police officer who told him to stop harassing tourists.
The City Council is working on legislation that would require the characters to get a city-approved license.
The mayor said even those dressed as superheroes have to "play by the rules or you won't be working here any longer."
News from © The Associated Press, 2014