Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

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

50A.    Authorisation of shotgun clubs to allow use of shotguns by minors for limited purposes

(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”.