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Views sought on proposed firearms licensing policy changes
The Government today (Thursday) issued a consultation paper to seek public views on the proposed changes to the firearms licensing policy and legislation.
A government spokesman said the proposals included the control of shooting clubs, holders of arms licences, arms dealers, air guns, deactivated firearms, and the use of modified firearms for film production.
"To ensure that licensed firearms are used safely, it is necessary to tighten the existing law and licensing arrangements regulating the possession of, and dealing in, firearms and ammunition," the spokesman said.
The Government intends to require all new applicants for a licence for possession of firearms to pass a test on the safe handling of firearms before they can be eligible for such licence.
In addition, the number of firearms and amount of ammunition to be possessed by a licensee will also be restricted.
The Government also intends to regulate all shooting clubs under licences for possession issued under section 27 of the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance.
The Government will also amend the ordinance to empower the Commissioner of Police to determine the criteria for approving any range, armoury and facility in connection with the use of any arms and ammunition.
As regards deactivated firearms, the licensing authority intends to follow a set of standard guidelines to ensure that they can only be used for decorative purpose and reversion is made impossible.
Since the misuse of air guns could be dangerous, the Government considers it desirable to amend the Summary Offences Ordinance to make it an offence to discharge any air gun in a public place to the danger or annoyance of any person.
The Commissioner of Police also intends to impose greater licensing control over the arms dealers who hire out modified firearms for use in film or television production.
"Such control requires that modified firearms should be examined by the Commissioner of Police annually," the spokesman said.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.