Auction premises registration

Licence summary

To sell goods by competitive bidding in England and Wales you may need to register the premises in which you auction with your local authority.

Eligibility criteria

The registration is a one-off application and is valid indefinitely.

Regulation summary

The GLC (General Powers Act) 1984(pdf, 83KB).

Application evaluation process

Once your application is received you may be contacted by a member of the licensing team to discuss your application.

Exemptions

Exempt from registration are:

• (a) any sales where no substantial part of the sale goods are brought onto the premises;

and

• (b) any sales wholly for the purpose of assisting the funds of a voluntary organisation;

If you think you qualify for exemption please contact the Licensing Team prior to submitting the application form and fee.

Will tacit consent apply?

No. The registration will be issued once the Auction Registration Conditions have been complied with.

How to apply

Apply by post

Please download the application form and once completed you should send the form together with a cheque for £329 to the Licensing Team. Cheques should be made payable to The London Borough of Richmond.

Credit card payments are subject to a handling fee. There is no handling fee for debit card payments.

• Auction Registration Conditions(pdf, 21KB)
• Auction Application Form(pdf, 31KB)

Auction notification

If you already hold a registration and want to tell us about an upcoming auction please download the notification form. The completed form should be sent to the Licensing Team at least seven days before the event.

Auction Notification Form(pdf, 41KB)

Failed application redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

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.

Licence holder redress

Please contact your Local Authority in the first instance.

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.

Consumer complaint

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 a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Other redress

Please contact the Licensing Team in the first instance.

Trade associations

• National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (NAVA).
• Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA).