Elmo and others work Herald Square for tips....

Have seen Disney characters, etc. in Herald Square before...now these Elmo/Sesame Street figures are there, offering to pose with tourists ( especially children) and then ask for tips ( blue figure is holding out green big that says "TIPS" on it).

They have banned people like this from Times Square for--among other reasons-- complaints from veterans who are food vendors there.

One of few breaks veterans get in NYC is top priority for being food vendors in Times Square. One vendor referred to this as "one of the few crumbs they throw to us." Sad.