Stage hypnotism licence

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If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public you must have authorisation from us.

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

You won't need a permit if the hypnotism is for the purpose of scientific demonstration or research, or if you are only hypnotising yourself.

To obtain a Stage Hypnotism Licence you:

Must be competent in the inducement and reversal of a state of hypnosis
Cannot use any one under the age of 18 in your act
Must not direct people to behave in an:
- Obscene, indecent, offensive or aggressive manner
- Demeaning way that is unacceptable to the common person
You must fully reverse the hypnotic state when the performance is over

You may also need to:

Have an entertainment licence (Premises Licence) - depending on the venue and the type of performance.
Hold public liability insurance (£1,000,00 minimum) if the venue's insurance doesn't cover your performance
Add to any performance poster, advertisement or programme the words "volunteers, who must be aged 18 or older, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance"

To apply, complete the application form and return it to us.

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 us about any previous refusals of a hypnotism permit or convictions related to staged hypnotism

Once you've filled out the form you can either

Send completed forms to licensing.reg@rochdale.gov.uk
Post it to Rochdale Borough Council Licensing, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU
Bring it in to the Licensing Unit (see contact section for address and opening hours)