Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003

[Bully]

For those who are not aware the above act came into force today.

So what has it got to do with me??? - I hear you ask

Well there is a section on Firearms and this includes Air Weapons

Whilst most of the act is not relevent to paintball there is one section which could be

The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 has introduced a new offence of having an air weapon (loaded or not) in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

This should not affect legitimate paintballers, since taking a gun/marker to and from an organised event will provide a reasonable excuse for having it in a public place. Idiots who use paintball markers in public areas could now be prosecuted under the new act.

It is therefore essential you travel to and from an event with your markers in bags (out of view) or preferrably in your car boot.

Here is a link if you want to see more from the act

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30038--f.htm#37

Steve

 

[Buddha 3]

Stickied.

 

[Russell Smith]

No it's not Jay

Press the right button

 

[Buddha 3]

Damn....gotta stay off the booze I guess....

 

[jonhaley]

Is s.38 not just as relevant? s.38 increased the 1968 Act age limit from 14 to 17

It is now an offence to give an air weapon or ammunition for it to a person under 17. Now, assuming there is still no exemption for paintball then for "ammunition" read "paintballs"

i.e. it is an offence to give anyone under 17 markers or paint.

Thats a whole load of new players without kit.

 

[|TPB|=SULLY=]

no way !.feel sorry for the younger playerz.man that sTINKZ!.

 

[Neil (Campaign Power)]

This act DOES NOT apply to paintball markers.

Although it would be very irresponsible to carry a loaded or unloaded paintball marker in public, there is no specific offence that covers this. Paintball guns are not considered air weapons as they are recreational products.

Saying this, if the number of public order offences involving paintball markers increases, we would be subject to legislation.

Really, it's up to how the retailers and operators of paintball sites to be responsible about who they sell equipment to and what those buyers are going to do with it.

 

[Hotpoint]

Originally posted by Neil (Campaign Power)
This act DOES NOT apply to paintball markers.

<SNIP>

Paintball guns are not considered air weapons as they are recreational products.

I'm sorry but you are wrong on both counts. According to both the Home Office, and the Police, Paintball Markers are classified as Air Weapons under the terms of the Firearms Acts 1968-1997 are are therefore subject to all applicable regulations

What makes you think otherwise?

 

[|TPB|=SULLY=]

Originally posted by Neil (Campaign Power)
This act DOES NOT apply to paintball markers.

Although it would be very irresponsible to carry a loaded or unloaded paintball marker in public, there is no specific offence that covers this. Paintball guns are not considered air weapons as they are recreational products.

Saying this, if the number of public order offences involving paintball markers increases, we would be subject to legislation.

Really, it's up to how the retailers and operators of paintball sites to be responsible about who they sell equipment to and what those buyers are going to do with it.

THE SELLER CANT BE RESPONSABLE !.if u go to fords & buy a focus when ya drunk mount a pavement is the seller part responsable lol methinks not

 

[Neil (Campaign Power)]

Sorry to correct you Hotpoint, but this information comes direct from the Met. Of which I am a serving officer. I don't know who you have have been speaking to but i got this from the legal unit this week.

Sully, i know it sucks but what the law is saying at the moment is that we are trusted to regulate our own sport and at this time that is considered to be sufficient.

I'm not trying to stir up an argument here, just pointing out the facts.