MacAskill sharpens stance with scheme to license knife shops

Published on Wednesday 30 July 2008 10:41

JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill today unveiled plans to license shops selling non-domestic knives in the latest bid to tackle Scotland's blade culture.

The proposals could apply to all kinds of sellers from large DIY stores to small market traders.

And the restrictions would apply to "any knife other than those designed for domestic use" – but folding pocket knives and skean dhubs with blades of less than 3.5 inches would be exempt.

Under the proposals, displays of knives would have to be kept out of view of passers-by. Anyone buying a knife in the restricted category would have to produce photographic ID, such as a passport or driving licence, along with a bank statement or utility bill.

Dealers would be required to keep detailed records of customers' ages and identities and the knives sold. Local authorities would also have the power to impose further conditions, such as requiring knives to be kept in a locked cabinet or even banning displays altogether. They could also insist on shops maintaining CCTV records so customers could be identified.

The proposals also suggest anyone buying a sword should have to prove the intended use – for example a membership card or letter from a society with a recognised reason for using swords.

The proposed crackdown – which is now subject to public consultation – comes as police in Edinburgh continue investigations into three separate stabbings in the city last weekend. In one of the incidents, two men were attacked with machetes.

Mr MacAskill said the Scottish Government was already taking action to tackle the problem of violence and knife crime, from tough enforcement to educating young people. He said: "There is no doubt that weapons such as hunting and combat knives can, in the wrong hands, be part of this problem. They can injure, maim and kill, and we need to make sure they are only sold to people with a legitimate reason for buying them.

"People with a legitimate reason for owning non-domestic knives having nothing to fear from this."

In a previous consultation on the issue, 57 out of 110 responses backed a licensing scheme for selling non-domestic knives and 53 were against. Supporters included police chiefs' and superintendents' associations. Opponents included the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Faculty of Advocates and the Scottish Retail Consortium.

It is proposed the licensing scheme should come into effect from September next year, with applications open from March.

The consultation will run until October 22, 2008.