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Dr. Ecommerce:

I am wishing to promote an internet business selling a service which is government regulated in England, but not government regulated in some other European countries - I shall be making the service available world-wide.

If I establish a company in a European country other than England, can English people still buy the service on the internet? Will I be able to circumvent English government regulation in that way?

Can you point me to any relevant legislation?

Yours sincerely

Steven

Dear Steven:

That's an interesting question and without knowing British law and, in particular, not knowing what your service is, it is difficult to answer.

The question is really a matter of whether it is illegal to provide or illegal to purchase your service. In other words, would consumers be breaking the law by buying your service. If so, you could sell your service, but consumers would not be able to buy it. On the other hand, if it is only illegal to sell your service in Britain then there SHOULD not be a problem.

In any event it would be advisable to make it clear on your web site the nature of the legal restrictions of your service. This would also cover you in the event anyone does attempt to take legal action.

However, it is also very important to bear in mind that I am not a lawyer and I would strongly advise you to seek legal advise before establishing a company and offering your service.

Finally, there is obviously a reason why the British government regulates this service and you should seriously consider, from an ethics and moral point of view, whether you ought to be selling your service on line.

Dr. Ecommerce