Hypnotism Permits

Licence summary

If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public, you must have authorisation from the Council issued under the provisions of the Hypnotism Act 1952.

You must comply with any conditions attached to any authorisation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be aged 18 years or older.

Applications can be made for Hypnotism consent for any place.  Applications will be accepted for performances in buildings or on the street.  However, Street performance applications will have to specify the location of the performances in detail and demonstrate how they will ensure public safety.  Risk assessments may be required depending on the nature of the performance proposed.

Regulation Summary

A summary of the regulation relating to this permit is available here.

Application Evaluation Process

Applications must be made to the giving the maximum possible notice to the Council to enable the application to be properly considered.  This is especially important where the hypnotist has not previously performed in the Council's area.  The application must be accompanied by the correct fee.  The fees list contains the current fee payable for each application type. 

• References will be required from other local authorities where performances of hypnotism have been performed.
• If the proposed performance is for a public space, such as a street, park, etc the location of that performance and a detailed description of the measures proposed to ensure public safety will be required.
• The applicant shall take out third party cover with a maximum liability of at least £2,000,000.  A copy of the certificate must accompany the application.
• The Council will contact the Federation of Ethical Stage Hypnotists and if the hypnotist belongs to a different professional body, that body.
• The authority will require the hypnotist to conduct a live performance to officers and/or members of the Council who will determine the application.
• The hypnotist and/or his/her representative shall appear before the Council's Licensing Sub-Committee to give evidence in support of the application. 

Note:  The Council can waive the requirement to provide references, demonstrate their performance or to appear at a hearing if the hypnotist has recently performed in Borough under the terms of consent from the Council. 

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes - If an application is unopposed. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the Licensing Authority by the end of the target completion period.  The period in which the council will determine this application if it is unopposed is 40 calendar days

Apply Online

To apply for a licence you can apply online by clicking on the link below. 

• Apply for a hypnotism permit

NOTE: Please note that when you click on one of the above links you will be redirected to the governments Business Link website.  If you don't have a Government Gateway account you will need to create one before you can proceed to the relevant form.  If you already have a Government Gateway account you will be invited to log in prior to completing the application.  This account is necessary as it will ensure that your details are pulled through to the relevant form and will enable you to track your applications once they've been submitted.

Register

A public register is available to view at the Council's Offices during normal office hours.  To make an appointment to view the register please contact the Licensing Service on 020 7641 8549 or alternatively email generallicensing@westminster.gov.uk.

Failed Application Redress

Please contact the Licensing Authority in the first instance. 

Permit Holder Redress

Please contact the Licensing Authority in the first instance.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

The council operates a complaints procedure.  To view the complaints procedure or to make a complaint relating to the service you have received please click here.

Other Redress

If there is a concern about noise, pollution, etc please contact Westminster City Council's Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000 (24 hrs) or email environmentalactionline@westminster.gov.uk.  Also should a member of the public or other permitted person have a complaint relating to a permit holder or un-permitted entertainer please contact the Council's Licensing Inspectors on 020 7641 3385 or email premiseslicensinginspectorate@westminster.gov.uk.

Trade Associations

Agents Association

Equity

National Entertainment Agents Council (NEAC)

Society for All Artists (SAA)

Federation of Ethical Stage Hypnotists