Any exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism (as defined in the Hypnotism Act 1952) on any person requires express written consent of the Licensing Authority and must comply with a number of conditions.
Meaning of Hypnotism
Hypnotism includes hypnotism, mesmerism and any similar act or process which produces or is intended to produce in any person any form of induced sleep or trance in which the susceptibility of the mind of that person to suggestion or direction is increased or intended to be increased but does not include hypnotism, mesmerism or any such similar act or process which is self-induced.
Eligibility
To obtain a consent you:
- Must be competent in the inducement and reversal of a state of hypnosis.
- Cannot use any one under the age of 18 in an act.
- Must not direct people to behave in an:
- * Obscene, indecent, offensive or aggressive manner; or
- * Demeaning way that is unacceptable to the common person
- Must fully reverse the hypnotic state when the performance is over.
No poster, advertisement or programme for the performance which is likely to cause publicoffence shall be displayed, sold or supplied, by or on behalf of the licensee either at thepremises or elsewhere.
Every poster, advertisement or programme for the performance which is displayed, sold orsupplied 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 theperformance.”
Application Process
An application for consent shall be in writing and signed by the applicant or his agent and shall normally be made not less than 28 days in advance of the performance concerned.
The authority will normally respond within 7-14 days.
The Licensing Authority will notify Greater Manchester Police of any planned performance to which a consent is granted.
Will Tacit Consent Apply?
Yes. If you have not heard from us within 21 days you can act as though your application has been granted. However, you are advised to contact us to confirm your application has been granted.
Conditions of Consent