15 & 16 Geo. 6
& 1 Eliz. 2
under this section, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds.
(4) In this section, the expression “controlling authority” means—
- (a) in relation to a place in any such area as is mentioned in section one of this Act, the authority having power to grant licences of the kind mentioned in that section in that area;
- (b) in relation to a place in any other area in England, the council of the county borough, borough, or urban or rural district where the place is, and in relation to a place in any other area in Scotland, the council of the county or burgh where the place is.
Prohibition on hypnotising persons under twenty-one. 3. A person who gives an exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism on a person who has not attained the age of twenty-one years at or in connection with an entertainment to which the public are admitted, whether on payment or otherwise, shall, unless he had reasonable cause to believe that that person had attained that age, be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty pounds.
Entry of premises. 4. Any police constable may enter any premises where any entertainment is held if he has reasonable cause to believe that any act is being or may be done in contravention of this Act.
Saving for scientific purposes. 5. Nothing in this Act shall prevent the exhibition, demonstration or performance of hypnotism (otherwise than at or in connection with an entertainment) for scientific or research purposes or for the treatment of mental or physical disease.
Interpretation. 6. In this Act, except where the context otherwise requires it, the following expression shall have the meaning hereby assigned to it, that is to say:—
- “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.
Short title, extent and commencement. 7.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Hypnotism Act, 1952.
(2) This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.
(3) This Act shall come into force on the first day of April, nineteen hundred and fifty-three.
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