PART VIFIREARMS CLUBS F1AND SHOTGUN CLUBS
F2Firearms clubs
Art. 49 cross-heading added (13.5.2016) by Justice Act (NorthernIreland) 2016 (c. 21), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 1(3)
Authorisation49
1
The Chief Constable may, on payment of the appropriate fee, grant an authorisation for a firearms club if he is satisfied that it can operate without danger to public safety or to the peace.
2
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.
3
An authorisation shall, unless the Chief Constable revokes it, continue in force for a period of five years from the date on which it is granted.
4
The Unlawful Drilling Act 1819 (c. 1) shall not have effect in relation to a firearms club if an authorisation is in force in relation to it.
5
Any person who—
a
operates, or participates in the activities of, a firearms club for which an authorisation is not in force; or
b
contravenes any condition of an authorisation,
shall be guilty of an offence.
Revocation or variation of authorisation50
1
The Chief Constable may revoke an authorisation if he is not satisfied that the club can operate without danger to public safety or to the peace.
2
The Chief Constable may vary an authorisation on the application of an officer of the club.
3
In this Article “authorisation” means an authorisation granted under Article 49.
F4Shotgun clubs
Art. 50A and cross-heading inserted (13.5.2016) by Justice Act (NorthernIreland) 2016 (c. 21), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 1(4)
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.
F3Power of entry
Art. 51 cross-heading inserted (13.5.2016) by Justice Act (NorthernIreland) 2016 (c. 21), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 1(5)
Power of entry51
1
A constable or member of the police support staff authorised in that behalf by the Chief Constable may on producing his authority if required to do so—
a
enter any premises occupied or used by a firearms club F5or a shotgun club ; and
b
inspect the premises and anything on them,
for the purpose of ascertaining whether the conditions of any authorisation granted under Article 49 F6or 50A are being complied with.
2
Any person who intentionally obstructs a constable or a member of the police support staff in the exercise of his powers under this Article shall be guilty of an offence.
3
In this Article “premises” includes any place and in particular includes a range.
Words in Pt. VI heading added (13.5.2016) by Justice Act (NorthernIreland) 2016 (c. 21), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 1(2)