This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tighter controls on airguns
08/11/2006
New Westminster legislation to outlaw the sale of airguns from all non-registered retailers throughout the UK has today received Royal Assent.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson today welcomed the news that the Violent Crime Reduction Bill had now become law - effectively banning the sale of airguns at car boot sales, corner shops and any outlet not approved by the police.
It will also:
- End anonymous internet and mail order sales of airguns by outlawing any sales which are not conducted on a face to face basis
- Increase the age limit for the ownership of air weapons from 17 to 18
- Tighten the law on the indiscriminate and reckless firing of airguns from private property
Ms Jamieson said:
"Following the tragic death of young Andrew Morton - which both shocked the nation and highlighted how lethal airguns can be - the First Minister and I began discussions with the Home Office and police to find workable ways to tighten the law on these weapons.
"Today marks the culmination of that work. Our UK Government colleagues listened carefully to the case for changes and I welcome their delivery of new laws which will ban airgun sales throughout the UK - except through registered firearms dealers who are formally approved by the police. The new Act will also ban any sale which does not take place face to face and further increase the minimum age for buying an airgun.
"Nothing can ever make up for the loss of a child. But I hope that Andrew's family will be able to take some comfort from the fact that their campaigning in Scotland on this issue has contributed towards a further tightening of the UK's gun laws to reduce the likelihood of future deaths and injuries from these weapons.
"Crime in Scotland is falling. Last year there were 20,000 fewer crimes recorded by the police and 1,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime. This new UK legislation will help us work to reduce that further by preventing these weapons from falling into the wrong hands and causing needless loss of life, injuries and damage to property."
The new provisions will come in to force as soon as practicable.
The Violent Crime Reduction Act includes the following provisions relating to airguns:
- Anyone selling air weapons by way of trade/business must be registered and approved by the police as a registered firearms dealer (RFD) and show that their business does not present a danger to the public
- Applicants will have to pay a £150 fee to become registered and prove to the police that they are a fit person to hold a certificate. They will be required to keep records of transactions, including the name and address of the purchaser, and ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to prevent these weapons falling into the wrong hands
- The police will be able to withdraw registration if the RFD becomes a danger to public safety - for example by selling air weapons to someone under age or not complying with the registration conditions imposed by the police
- It will become an offence to sell air weapons by way of trade/ business without being an RFD. It will also be an offence for manufacturers to supply air weapons to non RFDs and for non RFDs to import air weapons
- All air weapons sold must be handed over in person, through a RFD, effectively preventing anonymous sales via the internet or mail order
- Suppliers will become accountable to the police and be required to keep details of all purchasers
As well as the provisions listed above in relation to airguns, the Act will also impose tougher restrictions on the manufacture and ownership of imitation firearms.