Hypnotism

Any exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism (as defined in the Hypnotism Act 1952) on any person requires the express written consent of the Council and must comply with any attached conditions. 

Applications

An application for consent must be in writing (there is no prescribed form) and signed by the applicant or his agent and must be made not less than 28 days in advance of the performance concerned.  This period may be reduced in the case of a hypnotist who has performed at the same venue within the last three years without any problems occurring.  The Council will normally respond within 7 to 14 days, less where the hypnotist has previously performed in the same venue. 

The applicant must at the same time forward a copy of the application to the Chief Officer of Police and the Fire Authority (see details in the right hand side of this page).

The application shall contain the following information:-

• The name (both real and stage name, if different) and address of the person who will give the performance along with details of their last three performances (where and when); and

• A statement as to whether, and if so giving the full details, the hypnotist has previously been refused, or had withdrawn, a consent by any licensing authority or been convicted of an offence under the Hypnotism Act 1952 or of an offence involving the breach of a condition regulating or prohibiting the giving of a performance of hypnotism on any person at a place licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 or any other place. 

Publicity

No poster, advertisement or programme for performance of hypnotism which is likely to cause public offence shall be displayed, sold or supplied by or on behalf of the licensee either at the premises or elsewhere;

Every poster, advertisement or programme for the performance which is displayed, sold or supplied shall include, clearly and legibly, the following statement:-

'Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance.'

Further details of the conditions likely to be attached to a consent to perform hypnotism can be found on this webpage.

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