You must have written consent from Trafford Council to carry out or allow any exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism on another person.
Hypnotism includes hypnotism, mesmerism or any similar act intended to produce a state of sleep or trance that increases a person’s susceptibility to suggestion.
This does not include self-induced hypnosis.
Performances of hypnotism are regulated under the Hypnotism Act 1952.
Before you apply
You must:
- apply at least 28 days before the performance
- this can be reduced if you have held a hypnotism performance at the same venue within the past three years without incident
- hold a Premises Licence, Club Premises Certificate or Temporary Event Notice (TEN)
- provide details of your last three performances (dates and locations)
- declare any previous refusals of a hypnotism permit or convictions related to staged hypnotism
- provide public liability insurance, if the venue’s insurance does not cover your performance
- include this wording in all advertising, posters, or programmes:
“Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or older, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance.”
- provide a Basic DBS Certificate dated within one month
- include written consent from the premises or licence holder
Cost
The application fee is £21.
How to pay
- Go to the payment portal
- Choose Licensing from the All categories drop-down menu
- Select Apply
- Choose Premises Licence – New
- Make your payment
Pay for a transfer or club licence
You will receive a payment receipt reference. You must enter this reference on your application form.
How to apply
You can apply online using the Hypnotism authorisation form.
Apply for hypnotism authorisation
Applications must be submitted at least 28 days before the performance, unless we agree to a shorter period in exceptional cases.
What happens next
When we receive your application, we’ll consult Greater Manchester Police.
If there are no objections, the authorisation will be granted and consent issued.
If there are objections, or if a hearing is required, the application will be referred to the Public Protection Sub-Committee.
You’ll be notified if a hearing is scheduled.
How long consent lasts
Authorisation is valid for a performance of stage hypnotism only, but consent can cover an event that runs over several consecutive days.
Penalties
If you carry out a hypnotism performance without authorisation, or break any conditions attached to your consent, you could be fined up to £1,000.
Trade associations
You may wish to contact a trade body for advice or support:
- Agents Association
- Equity
- Entertainment Agencies Section of the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA)
- Society for All Artists (SAA)
Data protection
Trafford Council has a duty to protect the public funds it administers. We may use the information you provide for the prevention and detection of fraud, and may share it with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds.
You can read more in our National Fraud Initiative Privacy Notice and Council Privacy Notices.