This meeting will include consideration of an application for consent for a performance of hypnotism at a pub in Lincoln. The Licensing Sub-Committee will also be provided with an update on the Home Office guidance related to hypnotism.

Application for Consent for an Exhibition, Demonstration or Performance of Hypnotism

The Licensing Sub-Committee will be asked to consider an application for consent for an exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism by Colin Adamson at The Jolly Brewer public house in Lincoln. The application requests permission for Mr Adamson to perform his act between 7pm and 12am on Friday 27 December 2024.

The report pack contains a copy of Mr Adamson’s application form, which includes details of his three most recent performances at other venues. Mr Adamson’s application states that

Volunteers, who must be aged 18 or over, can refuse at any point to continue taking part in the performance.

— Hypnosis Application Form - Jolly Brewer - Appendix A

The report confirms that Lincolnshire Police and the local licensing authorities responsible for the areas where Mr Adamson’s three most recent performances took place have been contacted for comment and have not raised any objections to his application.

The report asks the Licensing Sub-Committee to consider whether to grant or refuse Mr Adamson’s application for consent to perform at The Jolly Brewer, and recommends that if the application is granted, the conditions contained within the Home Office Circular 39/1996 be applied to the consent.

Home Office Circular 39/1996

The report pack includes a copy of Home Office Circular 39/1996, which contains guidance on the provisions of the Hypnotism Act 1952. The Circular sets out a list of conditions that Local Authorities can choose to apply to performances involving hypnotism.

These conditions cover the following areas:

• The content of publicity material for the performance
• The hypnotist’s public liability insurance arrangements
• Physical safety arrangements in the venue
• The treatment of both the audience and any volunteers who take part in the performance
• Actions and suggestive techniques that are prohibited during the performance
• The safe conclusion of the performance, including the removal of hypnotic suggestions and the provision of aftercare for volunteers

The Circular states that:

All hypnotic or post-hypnotic suggestions shall be completely removed from the minds of all the subjects and the audience before the performance ends

— Hypnotism Conditions - Appendix B