If you wish to show, demonstrate or perform a hypnotism act in public then yes, you will need our authorisation.
You will need to download, print, complete and submit the Hypnotism Authorisation Application Form. Paper copies of the application forms are also available from Colchester Library and Community Hub.
You must apply for consent in writing and the application will need to be signed by the applicant or the applicant's agent.
Your application must be made no fewer than 28 days in advance of the performance. This period may be reduced in the case of a hypnotist who has performed at the same venue within the last three years without any problems occurring.
The application must contain the following:
Yes. There are rules about advertisements for your performance to bear in mind.
No poster, advertisement or programme for performance of hypnotism which is likely to cause public offence shall be displayed, sold or supplied by or on behalf of the licensee either at the premises or elsewhere.
Every poster, advertisement or programme for the performance which is displayed, sold or supplied shall include, clearly and legibly, the following statement:
'Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance'.
Also, we may attach approved conditions to any consent given for the performance.
Yes - you must send a copy of the application to the Chief Officer of Police and the Fire Authority at the same time you send it to us.
See our licensing fees and charges
We will normally respond within 7 to 14 days, or fewer where the hypnotist has previously performed in the same venue.
The target completion period for a hypnotism authorisation is 14 calendar days.
Yes. If we do not respond to a request within the target completion period shown above (or following an extension), authorisation will be deemed to have been granted tactily unless different arrangements are in place that are justified by an Overriding Reason of Public Interest.
Please contact us in the first instance by emailing licensing.team@colchester.gov.uk or calling 01206 282520.
We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the performer by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and you are located in the UK, you can check Consumer rights - GOV.UK for advice. For those outside the UK, you can contact the UK European Consumer Centre.