Auction premises licence
Premises being used for sales of goods by competitive bidding must be registered with Wandsworth Council under the provisions of Part VI of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Act 1984 unless the auction is a one day charity event. In this case, proof of charity status will be required.
The Act makes it an offence (subject to certain exemptions) to sell or permit the sale of goods by way of competitive bidding:
(i) on premises (which expression includes land) in the borough which are not registered with the council under this part of the Act;
(ii) on premises in the borough which are so registered but in breach of a condition upon which they are so registered;
(iii) from a stall (which expression includes any stand, marquee, tent vehicle (whether mobile or not, site or pitch) which is not registered;
(iv) from a stall which is so registered but in breach of a condition upon which it is registered.
Penalties
If any person knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement or omits any material particulars in this application he/she shall be guilty of an offence for which the maximum penalty is £5000.
Legislation
View a summary of the regulation relating to this licence.
Eligibility criteria
An application fee of £196 is payable on application.
The person conducting the relevant sale shall not attempt to restrict or exclude the rights of the buyer or any obligations to the buyer. These rights and obligations could arise if the goods are defective or are not fit for purpose or do not correspond with the description.
Each buyer shall be given a receipt with the full name and address of the business entity carrying out the sale according to the Companies Act 2006
In addition:
- Relevant sales shall only be conducted on the premises between the hours of 8am and 8pm
- Sales held on Sundays must comply with Sunday trading legislation and planning consents where appropriate
- All reasonable precautions shall be taken to maintain public order in the premises and to minimise any nuisance or annoyance to residents in the neighbourhood
- No material change, either permanent or temporary, in the structure or layout of the part of the premises registered for the relevant sales, shall be made without prior approval of the council
- The person who the premises are registered with shall take all reasonable precautions for the safety of employees and all persons visiting the premises
- All doorways, corridors, staircase etc, that can be used as a means of escape, must be kept free of obstruction, immediately available and adequately illuminated
- Any special fire safety recommendations of the London Fire Brigade must be complied with at all times
- Members of the public must not be prevented from entering or leaving the premises during any trading session
Apply for an auction premises licence
To apply for an auction premises licence:
Application evaluation process
We will take into account the suitability of the premises or stall. Before your application is refused you will be given the opportunity to appear before us.
Will tacit consent apply?
No. It is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, you should contact us.
Contact us
You should contact the Safety and Licensing Team if:
- Your application is refused
- You are unhappy with an imposed condition
- You have a query about your licence
If you want to make a complaint about an auction premise, such as a concern about noise or health and safety, you can report it online.
If you wish to appeal against a decision you may appeal to the local Magistrates Court within 21 days of the notice of the decision.
South Western Magistrates' CourtLavender Hill
London
SW11 1JU
Consumer concerns about auction premises
We would always advise that, in the event of a complaint, the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form of a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked and if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK, contact the UK European Consumer Centre.
European services directive
If you think that we have not complied with the European services directive by imposing requirements or conditions in respect of your application that are discriminatory, unfair, or disproportionate, contact the UK SOLVIT Centre.
Health and safety
Before setting up any business in the UK, you must ensure that it will comply with the relevant health and safety regulations.
Further information on health and safety.