Paintball wholesale will be affected by government crackdown

Tough new laws will ban the carrying of replicas guns and air weapons and stop under-17s owning airguns, the Home Secretary announced today ahead of publication of new firearms statistics.

As indicated in the House of Commons in the Autumn and after discussion with police representatives and others, legislation will be brought in to ban anyone carrying a replica or air weapon in a public place without a good reason. The age limit for acquiring and using an air weapon without adult supervision will be increased from 14 to 17.

In addition, the Home Office is examining a ban on the sale, manufacture and the import of tandem air cartridge systems, such as the Brocock, and the licensing of those already held. These guns are particularly vulnerable to conversion to fire live ammunition. Existing owners will be able to apply for a licence or offered an opportunity to hand in their guns voluntarily.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said:

"We are determined to tackle gun crime. Our guns laws are already among the tightest in the world, and these new controls will help the police to deal effectively with anyone misusing replica weapons or airguns.

"Our crackdown on airguns is part of the Government’s wider commitment to tackle the anti social behaviour which blights some of our most vulnerable communities and breeds a fear of crime."

Bob Ainsworth, Home Office Minister, said:

"Replica guns are often used in crime and cause real difficulties for police officers who have to decide – often in highly pressured situations - if they are real or not. A ban on carrying them in public without a good reason will help the police tackle those out to cause fear and commit crime. People who have a legitimate use for replicas – such as theatre and film use or historical re-enactment – will still be able to use them.

"Air guns can be lethal and are being used increasingly by louts to damage property and terrorise their local community. These new restrictions will make it easier for the police to deal effectively with this menace - although they have powers to deal with airgun misuse, it is often difficult for officers to catch offenders in the act. Young people will still be able to use air weapons in responsible and safe environments such as gun clubs or under the supervision of adults."

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