AUCTION HOUSES CAN WORK BEHIND CLOSED DOORS DURING LOCKDOWN
The new Coronavirus restrictions came into force on 5 November 2020 in England and outline that auction houses, because they are non-essential retail, must close their premises to the public. The only exception is for auctioneers selling livestock or agricultural equipment.
However, whilst non-essential retail must close, under the UK Government’s new rules for businesses and venues, you can continue to operate click-and-collect (where goods are pre-ordered and collected off the premises) and by delivery.
Furthermore, in order to help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home should do so. However, where people cannot they should continue to travel to their workplace.
Ultimately, this means that auction houses can continue to hold auctions as live online webcasts only and items can be collected and/or delivered. In person viewings are not allowed.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own restrictions in place. Check the relevant devolved Government websites for the latest information.
