Air weapon licensing scheme takes a step forward

Plans to introduce a licensing scheme for air weapons have moved forward, after receiving the backing of a Holyrood committee.

The Local Government and Regeneration Committee examined different aspects of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, which also contains changes to the licensing of alcohol, scrap metal dealers, public entertainment and sexual entertainment venues.

Committee convener Kevin Stewart MSP said: "There is no doubt air weapons are dangerous.

It is a timely and important piece of work

"Recently a rail worker and a fire fighter were shot as they carried out their jobs and this kind of incident happens far too often.

"That is why we welcome plans to introduce a licensing regime for air weapons. It is a timely and important piece of work.

"Misuse of these weapons must be addressed and the Bill takes this objective a step closer.

"During our consideration, it has become clear to us that the current licensing regime, in particular the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, should be reviewed to ensure that it can meet the challenges of a modern Scotland."

It is estimated that around 500,000 air weapons are owned by people across Scotland.

The committee published a number of recommendations regarding the planned legislation, including possibly strengthening the air weapon licensing scheme by applying a unique identifier marker to link an air weapon to a specific owner. 

The committee believes this would assist the police in tackling criminal misuse of air weapons. 

During consideration of the Bill, MSPs heard evolving technology and business models such as ‘Dial-a-booze’, ‘pedi-cabs’ and taxi booking ‘apps’ are becoming more common place. 

The committee said it recognises evolving technology and new business models need an equally modern and adaptable licensing regime and the report calls for a wider review of licensing in Scotland.  

Other recommendations contained within the report include the Government providing a clear and comprehensive public information campaign to enable air weapons to be licensed or lawfully disposed of and Police Scotland should be given a degree of latitude in the rollout of the air weapons certificate system to address future application peaks and troughs.

The bill would also require a separate licensing regime for sexual entertainment venues in Scotland.

Under the current legislation, any venues putting on four or less events a year with sexual entertainment would be exempt from having to hold a licence.

The committee said this was a "loophole" that organisers could use to "circumvent the licensing regime" by moving from venue to venue to avoid regulation.

The committee raised concerns and suggested this was a "loophole" that organisers could use to "circumvent the licensing regime" by moving from venue to venue to avoid regulation.