The introduction of strict regulations which have required venues and certain businesses to close, whilst also limiting the free movement of people, has also resulted in a significant impact on how and whether contractual obligations can be fulfilled.
In particular, agencies are having to cancel or postpone scheduled shoots - impacting on delivery timetables and booked media. This is coupled with the risk of potentially incurring late-cancellation fees on particular productions.
However, there may be contractual mechanisms available to mitigate the risk. We've put together an article which explores some of the issues and mechanisms that may be available to agencies when government direction has interfered with contractual performance.
Those businesses impacted by new laws or any Government directions are much more likely to be able to bring contracts to an end or suspend performance of contractual obligations without incurring liability for alleged breach of contract by relying on contractual force majeure clauses or the common law doctrine of frustration.