Licence

Hypnotism permit (England, Scotland and Wales)

You must hold a permit to stage a public performance of hypnotism for entertainment purposes in England, Wales and Scotland - learn how to apply, conditions, fines and penalties

Apply for this licence

For example SW1A 2AA

You must hold a permit to stage a public performance of hypnotism for entertainment purposes - whether live or broadcast.

You won鈥檛 need a permit if the hypnotism is for the purpose of scientific demonstration or research, or if you are only hypnotising yourself.

Conditions

You may also need a theatre or entertainment licence, depending on the venue and the type of performance. Ask the council if you鈥檙e unsure after reading your permit.

You may also need to:

  • hold public liability insurance if the venue鈥檚 insurance doesn鈥檛 cover your performance
  • add to any performance poster, advertisement or programme the words 鈥渧olunteers, who must be aged 18 or older, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance鈥�

See your permit for the exact conditions you must follow.

How to apply

Apply to the local council. You will need to pay a fee, which will vary depending on the council.

Depending on the council, you may also need to:

  • apply at least 28 days before your performance (unless you have staged hypnotism at the same venue within the past 3 years without incident)
  • give details of your last 3 performances (when and where)
  • tell the council about any previous refusals of a hypnotism permit or convictions related to staged hypnotism

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 拢1,000.