Theunicornhunter 2 Posted July 3, 2008 PHILADELPHIA — Citing their rights to free speech, three tour guides sued the city of Philadelphia on Wednesday challenging an ordinance that will require them to pass a history test and get a license before speaking about the history of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and other landmarks. foxnews I understand people feel there is too much government regulation - but many people work in regulated industries for which they have to have a license so it's hard to feel sympathetic. And the thing is - if you're taking people's money in exchange for sharing history - then it's fraud if you're making it up as you go along. St. Augustine is another of those cities where tour guides have to be licensed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VaBeachGuy 12 Posted July 3, 2008 Are these tour guides paid by the city or state? If so then the city or state has every right to require a test and this has nothing to do with "free speech". Anyone can go and speak about the history of the Liberty Bell and be as wrong as they wish. But if they are being paid to give a tour and provide information then I think it's completely correct for the state or city to require that the information be accurate and proper to test the employees for their knowledge of the subject matter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theunicornhunter 2 Posted July 3, 2008 they're private companies paid by the tourists (quite well some times) but I see the city's interest in maintaining its reputation. Also the state regulates contractors, insurance agents etc who operate directly with the public but the state insures they know what they're doing when they take the public's money. So, I see taking money from the public as being the relevant factor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
He Who Shall Not Be Named 2 Posted July 3, 2008 Are they taking money from the public? The public isn't forced to go on these tours after all. But I agree, if you are a tour guide you need to know something about what you are guiding. A family might take a tour because a child in the family needs to give a report on it for school. so presenting the right information is important. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
