Hypnotism permit
If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public, you must have authorisation from the local authority where the act is to take place.
Licence Summary
The Hypnotism Act 1952 empowers licensing authorities to attach conditions to a hypnotism licence to regulate or prohibit the public performance of an exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism on any person. You must comply with all conditions attached to the hypnotism licence.
A separate hypnotism licence application and licence fee is required for each proposed performance venue and each proposed series of performances within the district.
Exemptions
Nothing in the Hypnotism Act 1952 shall prevent the exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism (otherwise than at or in connection with an entertainment) for scientific or research purposes or for the treatment of mental or physical disease.
The need to gain authorisation does not apply to an exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism that takes place in the course of a performance of a play (within the meaning of the Theatres Act 1968) given either at premises in respect of which a licence under that Act is in force or under the authority of any such letters patent as are mentioned in section 17(1) of that Act.
Eligibility Criteria
You may apply as long as you have not been previously refused or had withdrawn, a consent by any Licensing Authority or been convicted of an offence under the Hypnotism Act 1952 or of an offence involving the breach of a condition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 for regulated entertainment under the Licensing Act 2003.
Regulation Summary
Apply for a hypnotism permit
Applications should be submitted at least 28 days before the performance, otherwise the application may not be determined in time
To apply for a hypnotism permit, you need to complete the following steps:
- Read the hypnotism permit terms and conditions, any permit granted will be subject to these terms
- Complete and submit a hypnotism permit application form.
- Return the completed form by post or email
Postal address:
Licensing Team
Horsham District Council
Albery House
Springfield Road
Horsham
West Sussex RH12 2GB
Email: licensing@horsham.gov.uk
Cost
A hypnotism permit costs £92. Separate applications must be made for each venue intended to be used.
Timeframes
General processing times for a hypnotism application is 28 days. The application must be approved before any hypnotism activities can take place.
- Once we are in receipt of your completed application, we will consult Sussex Police. The Fire Authority may on also be notified
- If there are no objections to the application, it can be approved by the Licensing Team.
- Should an objection about the application and performance be received, it will be referred to the Council's Licensing Sub Committee for a hearing and formal determination of the application.
Discuss an application
If you wish to discuss your application, a failed application, a decision or consent, please call the Licensing Team on 01403 215578 or 01403 215525
Make a complaint about a performance
If you have a problem with a hypnotism performance, we recommend you contact the performer/venue directly to try to resolve the dispute.
If this is not successful then the Licensing Team may be able to assist.
Alternative address can be taken with contact Consumer Direct, or the UK European Consumer Centre if you live outside the UK.
Rights of entry
Any Police Constable may enter any premises where any entertainment is held if he has reasonable cause to believe that any act is being or may be done in contravention of the Hypnotism Act 1952.
Additionally, if an authorised officer of the licensing authority has reason to believe that a performance is being, or is about to be, given, he/she may enter the venue with a view to seeing whether the conditions on which approval for the performance was granted are being complied with.
Penalties
If you stage hypnotism for entertainment purposes without a licence or break any of the conditions on your permit, you could be fined up to £1,000.