⚖️ The Law on Stage Hypnosis in Great Britain

📜 Background: Why the Hypnotism Act Exists

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The Act was introduced following a lawsuit by a young woman against American hypnotist Ralph Slater, claiming mental harm from his performance. Though the case was dismissed, media hysteria followed. Pressure from ill-informed groups led to the enactment of the Hypnotism Act (1952), which remains in force to this day—despite being widely seen as outdated, unworkable, and unfair.

FESH has consistently campaigned for its reform or repeal.

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🧾 What the Law Actually Says

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Surprisingly, the Act does not control the content of a hypnosis show. Instead, it relates specifically to licensing.

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In Licensed Venues:

• Licensing authorities may impose conditions for the use of hypnosis.

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In Unlicensed Venues:

• A licence is required for any hypnosis event presented “in connection with an entertainment to which the public are admitted.”

• Again, local authorities may impose conditions on granting the licence.

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🧠 When the Law Does Not Apply

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The Hypnotism Act only applies under certain circumstances. It does not apply when:

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• The performance is not for public entertainment (e.g. scientific or academic demonstrations).

• There is no “sleep or induced trance” (e.g. so-called "waking hypnosis" or "waking suggestion").

• The show is private or held in members-only venues.

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Also, the Act prohibits hypnotising anyone under the age of 18 during public performances.

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📘 Home Office Guidelines

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In the 1990s, confusion among licensing authorities led the Home Office to publish a set of Model Conditions (1996) to help standardise regulation. These were created in consultation with:

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• FESH

• Medical professionals

• Academic psychologists

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These guidelines are not law but are widely respected and followed, especially where they align with FESH’s own Code of Conduct.

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📋 FESH’s Position on the Guidelines:

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While most of the Home Office suggestions are rooted in common sense, FESH challenges the first three conditions as unnecessary bureaucracy:

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• Requiring applications in writing 28+ days in advance;

• Demanding a copy be sent to the chief of police;

• Asking applicants to declare whether they’ve ever been convicted under the Act—when no one ever has.

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FESH continues to campaign for a review and revision of these outdated measures.

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📎 Related Resources

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• 🔗 Read the Hypnotism Act (1952)

• 📄 View Home Office Guidelines on Hypnosis