What this covers
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
It applies in England, Wales and Scotland. Other UK nations run their own regimes — check the equivalent for the nation you trade in.
Why you need it
This licence is not an administrative preference — it exists because Parliament created it. The power to require it comes from Hypnotism Act 1952.
We have not yet extracted duties, penalties or exemptions for this Act into the graph, so there is nothing more we can add beyond the source text.
Who issues it
Your local council issues this, acting as the licensing authority for the area you trade in. Councils apply the same statute but set their own fees, conditions and timescales, so two neighbouring authorities can reach you differently.
Where to apply
Our guidance on this
Everything below is written out in full elsewhere on Guvnor — this page points at it rather than repeating it.
Get licences from your local council
Comprehensive guide to local authority licensing requirements including premises licences for alcohol and entertainment, food business registration, street trading, pavement licences, Temporary Event Notices, …
Find licences you need for your business
How to identify and apply for the licences, permits, and registrations your business needs using GOV.UK Licence Finder. Covers premises licences, food registration, transport, …
Licences that often go with this one
Businesses in the same activities usually need one or more of these too.
Child work permit (England and Wales)
Your council · England and Wales
Pavement or street display licence (England and Wales)
Your council · England and Wales
Permission to place tables and chairs on the pavement
Your council · England and Wales
Temporary Events Notice (England and Wales)
Your council · England and Wales
Approval of premises for civil marriage and civil partnership (England and Wales)
Your council · England and Wales
Busking licence (England and Wales)
Your council · England and Wales
Duty, penalty and exemption labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the enabling instrument, not the instrument itself. Fees, forms and conditions are set by the issuing authority — always check the linked source.