XN000022-1996-04-03 — Page 60

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The Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance was enacted in 1981 to regulate the possession of, and dealing in, firearms and ammunition. At that time there was a comparatively low level of interest in the use of firearms for recreational and sporting purposes. The use of firearms for recreational shooting has, by and large, been left to self-regulation by individual shooting clubs. The relatively loose controls imposed at that time were judged to be adequate.

Since then, however, the use of firearms for recreational and sporting purposes has become more popular. The number of shooting clubs, for example, increased from 13 in 1988 to 22 now; the number of licences for the possession of firearms increased from 894 to 1,753 in the same period. We believe that the time has now come for us to take proactive and precautionary measures to ensure that the increasing number of gun clubs are run properly in the interest of public safety and security. The Bill seeks to implement these measures.

We propose to regulate shooting clubs by way of licences for the possession of firearms. The licence will be held by a "responsible officer", who is personally responsible for the management of the club. Tighter licence conditions will also be imposed to regulate the operation of shooting clubs, in particular, the possession and use of firearms and ammunition and the running of its firing range, armoury and other facilities.

We propose to require members of shooting clubs to complete a course on the safe handling of firearms before they can use firearms in the clubs, and that only a qualified person, approved by the Commissioner of Police, can instruct others in the use of firearms.

We also propose that the appointment of an agent by a licensee to handle firearms and ammunition be subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Police. This will preclude an untrained or unsuitable person from possessing or handling a licensee's firearms in the capacity of his agent.

To address the possible threat to public safety when a large number of firearms or ammunition are carried in public places or stored at the licensees' premises, we propose to empower the Commissioner of Police to restrict the quantity of firearms and ammunition to be covered in a licence for possession.

As the use of low-powered air guns could be dangerous, we propose to make it an offence, under the Summary Offences Ordinance, to discharge any low-powered air gun in a public place to the danger or annoyance of any person.

We have consulted the shooting clubs and other interested parties, including the Security Panel of this Council, on our proposals. There is general support in principle for the tighter regulation of shooting clubs by way of licence.

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