Hypnotism

The Hypnotism Act 1952 states that no person shall give an exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism on any living person at, or in connection with an entertainment to which the public are admitted, whether on payment or otherwise, at any place unless the controlling authority have authorised that exhibition, demonstration or performance.

Special Conditions attached to Letter of Authority for a performance under the Hypnotism Act 1952

1. The exhibition shall be so conducted as not to be likely to cause harm to any persons attending it.
2. No person shall be caused, while under the influence of hypnotism, to say or do anything offensive to the public; if the licensing authority notifies the licensee in writing that it objects to anything said or done in the course of the exhibition such thing shall not thereafter be included in the exhibition.
3. No exhibition, demonstration or performance shall include:
   1. Any experiment involving the age regression of the subject.
   2. The giving of hypnotherapy of any other form of treatment.
   3. Any suggestion of catalepsy or of rigidity (such as suspending the subject between two supports).
   4. The giving of suggestions to the subject that he/she should perform any act or behave in any manner which is likely to be interpreted as indecent, offensive or harmful, nor that he should consume any substance which is either noxious or harmful.
4. All hypnotic or post-hypnotic suggestions shall be completely removed from the minds of the subject(s) (including those in the audience) before they leave the room or place in which the performance takes place. Likewise any post-hypnotic suggestions given shall take place only in the presence of the hypnotist, and shall not continue after the performance or away from the room or place in which the performance takes place.
5. No inducements shall be offered to members of the public to subject themselves to the influence of the hypnotist.
6. No poster, advertisement or programme relating to the exhibition shall be displayed, sold or supplied, by or on behalf of the licensee either at the premises or elsewhere, which is likely to be injurious to morality or otherwise offensive to public feeling; if the licensing authority notifies the licensee in writing that it objects to a poster, advertisement or programme so displayed, sold or supplied that poster, advertisements or programme shall not thereafter be displayed, sold or supplied. Every poster, advertisement or programme relating to the exhibition displayed, sold or supplied at the premises shall draw attention, in a clear and legible manner, to the prohibition on the hypnotising of persons under the age of 18 imposed by Section 3 of the Hypnotism Act 1952.
7. Adequate arrangements should be provided to ensure that if the hypnotist becomes disabled in any way during an emergency situation, suitable provision must be made to ensure the safety of the subject.
8. Clear guidance should be given to the hypnotist to ensure that his reactions in the event of an emergency ensure both the safety of himself and the subject.
9. The hypnotist should be made aware of any fire warning signal within the premises. This information should include the appropriate action that he should take in the event that the fire signal sounds.
10. The performance should not be permitted in any way to detract from the existing fire safety arrangements within the premises.