Licence summary
If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public, you must have authorisation from The South Hams District Council.
You must comply with any conditions attached to an authorisation.
Eligibility criteria
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. The Local Authority may attach conditions to an authorisation in the interests of public safety. It is an offence to hypnotise a person under 18.
A fee is payable - see link below.
Regulation summary
A summary of the regulation relating to this licence
Application evaluation process
Application for consent must be in writing 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 10 working days, less where the hypnotist has previously performed in the same venue.
If using the download, print and post application form below, applicants must at the same time forward a copy of the application to the Chief Officer of Police and the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service.
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A statement as to whether, and if so giving the full details, the hypnotist has previously been refused, or had withdrawn, a consent by any licensing authority or been convicted of an offence under the Hypnotism Act 1952 or of an offence involving the breach of a condition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.'
Approved Conditions
These may be attached to any consent given for a performance
Hypnotism Conditions
Target completion time
Once South Hams District Council have received the request and associated supporting documents (if required) from the applicant the target completion time will be 42 days.
Will tacit consent apply?
Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.
Apply online
Apply for a hypnotism permit
Forms to download, print, and post
Alternatively, click on the link below to open a copy of a TEN application form. Application for consent must be in writing.
Hypnotism Authorisation
Failed application redress
Please contact The Licensing Department at South Hams District Council in the first instance.
Licence holder redress
Please contact South Hams District Council in the first instance
Appeal
Right of appeal exists to the Magistrates' Court within 21 consecutive days of the date of the objection notice.
Fees
Click here to view fees for licence applications
Contact details
Address
The Licensing Department
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Fax: 01803 861294
Email: licensing@southhams.gov.uk
Consumer complaint
If you wish to make a complaint of any kind about a hypnotism authorisation within the South Ham District Council area please contact us.
If you are not happy with the service the Council has provided with regard to your application, please contact the Licensing Office of the Council in the first instance, and we will try to resolve any concerns you may have.
The Council also has a formal complaints procedure. Please write to the Licensing Office at the contact address above, you may wish to send your letter by recorded delivery.
If your complaint is still not resolved, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
Other redress
Anyone suffering nuisance due to noise, pollution etc should contact the South Hams District Council on 01803 861234.
Trade associations
Agents Association
Equity
National Entertainment Agents Council
