SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 5AMENDMENTS OF THE FIREARMS (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 2004
Part 1Firearms - Persons under 18
Authorisation of shotgun clubs to allow use of shotguns by persons under the age of 16
1
1
In Article 2(2) (interpretation), after the definition of “shotgun certificate” insert—
“shotgun club” means a club established for the purpose of promoting and practising skill in the use of shotguns;
2
In the heading to Part 6, add at the end “
AND SHOTGUN CLUBS
”
.
3
After the heading to Part 6 add— “
Firearms clubs
”
.
4
After Article 50 insert—
Shotgun clubs
Authorisation of shotgun clubs to allow use of shotguns by minors for limited purposes50A
1
If the Chief Constable is satisfied that there will not be a danger to public safety or to the peace, the Chief Constable may, on payment of the appropriate fee, grant an authorisation for a shotgun club to allow persons under the age of 16 who have attained the age of 12 to use shotguns under appropriate supervision in accordance with the authorisation.
2
An authorisation must state that it is limited to the use of shotguns for clay target shooting or for such other purposes as may be prescribed.
3
The Chief Constable may at any time by notice in writing—
a
attach conditions to an authorisation;
b
vary or revoke conditions attached under this Article.
4
An authorisation shall continue in force for a period of five years from the date on which it is granted but if the Chief Constable is satisfied that there is a danger to public safety or to the peace, the Chief Constable may revoke the authorisation.
5
Any person who—
a
operates a shotgun club which allows a person under the age of 16 to use a shotgun except in accordance with an authorisation, or
b
contravenes any condition of an authorisation,
shall be guilty of an offence.
6
In this Article—
“appropriate supervision” means under the supervision of a person who has attained the age of 21 and has held a firearm certificate for a shotgun for at least five years;
“authorisation” means an authorisation granted under this Article;
“prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Department of Justice.
7
The Department of Justice may make regulations substituting a different age for the lower age mentioned in paragraph (1) and paragraph 11(4) of Schedule 1.
8
The Department of Justice shall not make regulations under this Article unless a draft of the regulations has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Assembly.
5
Before the heading to Article 51 insert— “
Power of entry
”
.
6
In Article 51 (power of entry), in paragraph (1)—
a
in sub-paragraph (a), after “club” insert “
or a shotgun club
”
;
b
after “Article 49” insert “
or 50A
”
.
7
In Schedule 1 (firearm certificates - exemptions), in paragraph 11, after sub-paragraph (3) add—
4
A person who is under the age of 16 but has attained the age of 12 may, without holding a firearm certificate, use a shotgun in accordance with an authorisation under Article 50A.
8
In Schedule 5 (table of punishments), after the entry relating to Article 49(5)(b) insert—
Article 50A(5)(a)
Operating a shotgun club which allows unauthorised use of shotguns
(a) Summary
1 year or a fine of the statutory maximum or both
(b) Indictment
3 years or a fine or both
Article 50A(5)(b)
Contravention of conditions of authorisation
(a) Summary
1 year or a fine of the statutory maximum or both
(b) Indictment
3 years or a fine or both
9
In Schedule 5, in the second column of the entry relating to Article 51(2), after “club” insert “
or shotgun club
”
.