Air weapons licence deadline comes into effect this month

Air weapons owners who haven’t yet applied for a licence need to decide now what they will do with their firearm when new laws come into effect on 31 December.

In 2015/16, an air weapon was the main firearm in nearly half of all offences involving a gun in Scotland. The new law, which requires a certificate to own or use an air weapon, is designed to improve public safety by taking air weapons out of the hands of those who would misuse them.

From 31 December, having an air weapon without a licence will be a crime that could lead to a fine or, in some cases, imprisonment of up to two years. The deadline for applying for a licence ahead of the law coming into force was the end of October.

Anyone without a licence on 31 December must ensure their firearm is appropriately stored, until their licence application has been processed. This means safely storing the air weapon – for example, with a firearms dealer or another certificate holder.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The new law coming into force is part of our long-standing commitment to eradicate gun crime in Scotland. We are not banning air weapons outright, but ensuring their use is properly regulated and users have a legitimate reason for them.

“We believe the new licence strikes the right balance between protecting communities and allowing legitimate use in a safe environment to continue.

“If you own an air weapon and haven’t had your application processed in time, make sure you’re not breaking the law by storing your air weapon in a safe and appropriate place.”

ACC Mark Williams, of Police Scotland, said: “More than 17,500 unwanted air weapons have been handed to Police Scotland for secure destruction since the summer, and anyone who still has an air weapon and does not want to apply for a licence can still hand it in. We have also received over 10,500 applications, however only those received before 1 November 2016, will be processed before the end of 2016.

“I would encourage anybody who hasn’t had their application processed by 31 December 2016, to avoid breaking the law by making alternative arrangements for their air weapon(s) to be with someone who already holds an air weapon or firearms licence, or lodging it with a registered firearms dealer, until they get their licence. If they are holding an air weapon without a licence after 31 December 2016, you may be breaking the law and risk prosecution.”