Hypnotism licence

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

The hypnotist needs to apply for permission, not the owner of the premises where the performance is to take place.

"Hypnotism" includes hypnotism, mesmerism and any similar act or process which produces or is intended to produce in any person any form of induced sleep or trance in which the susceptibility of the mind of that person to suggestion or direction is increased or intended to be increased but does not include hypnotism, mesmerism or any such similar act or process which is self-induced.

Conditions

We will attach conditions (PDF 77.1KB) to the licence with which you must comply.

You must also submit a copy of the completed application form to your local Police Station in addition to submitting the application with us.

You must hold public liability insurance for a minimum of £1 million. Evidence of this must be submitted with the application. Failure to provide the necessary information and documentation, or the application fee, will result in the inability to further process the application.

Application fee

The fee for a a hypnotism licence application is £105. The fee is non-refundable.

How to apply

You can apply for a hypnotism licence online on GOV.UK website, however we may need to request additional information to supplement the Scottish system.

Alternatively you can apply in paper by completing the hypnotism application form (PDF 204KB)Please send your competed form by email to licapps@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or by post to, please note physical mail is only checked once a week:

Aberdeenshire Council
Legal and People
Viewmount
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven
AB39 2DQ

If you are unable to complete the forms, please call us and we will assist you to apply over the telephone.

Application process

Full approval will not be granted until the required information and documentation has been provided, examined and deemed satisfactory, and the application has been fully processed. 

The application will be forwarded to the Chief Constable, the Firemaster and Environmental Health for comment. If the performance is to take place in licensed premises, a copy of the application will also be given to the Licensing Standards Officer.

In the absence of objections or adverse representations, the permit will be issued to you under delegated authority. If there are objections or adverse representations have been made, the application will be referred to the appropriate Committee of the council for consideration. You will be asked to attend the hearing. The Committee will determine whether the application is to be granted or refused.