# Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015

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# Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015

# 2015 asp 10                     

The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on 25th June 2015 and received Royal Assent                        on 4th August 2015                     

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision for the licensing and regulation of air weapons; to amend the Licensing                        (Scotland) Act 2005; to amend and extend the licensing provisions of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982; and for connected                        purposes.                     

## **PART 1**SAIR WEAPONS

### Meaning of air weaponS

#### 1Meaning of “air weapon”S

(1)This section defines the expression “air weapon” for the purposes of this Part.                  

(2)The expression generally has the same meaning as that given in section 1(3)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968 (“the 1968 Act”).                  

(3)In addition, the expression includes—                  

(a)the component parts of an air weapon (within the meaning of section 1(3)(b) of the 1968 Act), and                  

(b)any accessory to such a weapon designed or adapted to diminish the noise caused by discharging the weapon.                  

(4)But the expression does not include—                  

(a)an air weapon which is not a firearm (within the meaning of section 57(1) of the 1968 Act),                  

(b)an air weapon (within the meaning of section 1(3)(b) of the 1968 Act)—                  

(i)which is not capable of discharging a missile with kinetic energy of more than one joule as measured at the muzzle of the                        weapon, or                  

(ii)that is designed to be used only when submerged in water, or                  

(c)the component parts of an air weapon described in paragraph (a) or (b)(i) or (ii).                  

(5)Other words and expressions used in this Part are defined in section 40.                  

Commencement Information

I1S. 1 in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

### Air weapon certificatesS

#### 2Requirement for air weapon certificateS

(1)It is an offence for a person to use, possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate.                  

(2)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable—                  

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or                        both),                  

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both).                  

(3)Schedule 1 contains exemptions from—                  

(a)the offence under subsection (1), and                  

(b)certain other offences under this Part.                  

(4)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend schedule 1 so as to—                  

(a)add further exemptions,                  

(b)remove or modify exemptions.                  

Commencement Information

I2S. 2(4) in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 3Application for grant or renewal of air weapon certificateS

(1)An individual aged 14 years or more may apply to the chief constable for—                  

(a)the grant of an air weapon certificate, or                  

(b)the renewal of an air weapon certificate.                  

(2)An application is valid only if it complies with the requirements of—                  

(a)section 4 (verification of applications),                  

(b)if applicable, section 7 (special requirements and conditions for young persons), and                  

(c)any regulations under section 36 which apply to the application.                  

(3)The chief constable must maintain a register containing the details of each application made under this section (whether or                        not the application results in an air weapon certificate being granted or renewed).                  

Commencement Information

I3S. 3 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 4Verification of applicationsS

(1)An application for the grant or renewal of an air weapon certificate must be verified in the prescribed form and manner by                        an individual who meets the requirements of subsection (2) (“a verifier”).                  

(2)The requirements are that a verifier must—                  

(a)have known the applicant for at least 2 years,                  

(b)in the opinion of the chief constable, be of good standing in the community,                  

(c)not be—                  

(i)a relative of the applicant,                  

(ii)a registered firearms dealer,                  

(iii)a constable or a member of police staff,                  

(iv)a member of, or a member of staff of, the Scottish Police Authority, or                  

(v)ordinarily resident outwith the United Kingdom.                  

(3)In verifying the application, a verifier must confirm that, to the best of the verifier's knowledge and belief, the information                        supplied in the application is correct.                  

Commencement Information

I4S. 4 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 5Grant or renewal of air weapon certificateS

(1)The chief constable may only grant or renew an air weapon certificate if satisfied that the applicant—                  

(a)is fit to be entrusted with an air weapon,                  

(b)is not prohibited from possessing an air weapon or other firearm under section 21 of the 1968 Act,                  

(c)has a good reason for using, possessing, purchasing or acquiring an air weapon, and                  

(d)in all the circumstances, can be permitted to possess an air weapon without danger to the public safety or to the peace.                  

(2)The chief constable may, when considering an application made under section 3 by an applicant who holds a firearm or shot                        gun certificate, treat paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) as being satisfied in relation to the applicant.                  

(3)The chief constable may, before determining an application made under section 3, require that the applicant permit a constable                        or member of police staff—                  

(a)to visit the applicant at the applicant's usual place of residence,                  

(b)to inspect any place where the applicant intends to store or use an air weapon.                  

Commencement Information

I5S. 5 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 6Air weapon certificate: conditionsS

(1)Every air weapon certificate is subject to any prescribed mandatory conditions.                  

(2)The chief constable may, when granting or renewing an air weapon certificate, attach conditions to the certificate (and, in                        the case of a renewal, may attach different conditions from those attached to the certificate prior to its renewal).                  

(3)The chief constable may not attach to an air weapon certificate a condition which is inconsistent with—                  

(a)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to air weapon certificates, or                  

(b)a condition which must be attached to the certificate under this Part.                  

(4)It is an offence for a holder of an air weapon certificate to fail to comply with a condition attached to the holder's certificate.                  

(5)An individual who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level                        3 on the standard scale.                  

Commencement Information

I6S. 6(1)-(3) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 7Special requirements and conditions for young personsS

(1)This section applies where an applicant for an air weapon certificate is under the age of 18.                  

(2)A parent or guardian of the applicant must consent in the prescribed form and manner to the applicant making the application.                  

(3)Where the chief constable grants an air weapon certificate to an individual under the age of 18, the chief constable must                        attach to the certificate—                  

(a)the condition described in subsection (4), and                  

(b)one or more of the conditions described in subsection (5).                  

(4)The condition is that the holder may not purchase, hire, accept a gift of or own, an air weapon.                  

(5)The conditions are that—                  

(a)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for sporting purposes (including shooting live quarry) on private land,                  

(b)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for the purposes of target shooting on private land,                  

(c)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for the purposes of participating in events or competitions,                  

(d)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for the purposes of the holder's membership of an approved air weapon club,                  

(e)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for the purposes of protecting livestock, crops or produce on land used                        for or in connection with agriculture,                  

(f)the holder may use and possess an air weapon only for the purposes of pest control.                  

(6)It is sufficient, for the purposes of section 5(1)(c), for the chief constable to be satisfied that the applicant has a good                        reason for using or possessing an air weapon.                  

(7)For the purposes of this section, “agriculture” is to be construed in accordance with section 85 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991.                  

Commencement Information

I7S. 7 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 8Duration of air weapon certificateS

(1)An air weapon certificate expires (unless earlier revoked or cancelled)—                  

(a)in the case of a certificate granted to an individual under the age of 18, when the individual attains the age of 18,                  

(b)in any other case, at the end of the period of 5 years beginning with the date on which the certificate is granted or renewed.                  

(2)Where an individual has applied for the renewal of an air weapon certificate before its expiry but the chief constable has                        not, as at the date of its expiry, determined whether or not to grant the renewal, the certificate is to continue to have                        effect until the application is determined.                  

(3)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend subsection (1)(b) to specify a different period.                  

Commencement Information

I8S. 8(1) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 9Alignment of different types of certificateS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where an individual—                  

(a)holds a firearm or shot gun certificate, and                  

(b)makes an application for the grant or renewal of an air weapon certificate under section 3.                  

(2)Where this subsection applies, the applicant may request that the chief constable grant or renew an air weapon certificate                        for such shorter period than is provided for in section 8 as is appropriate to secure that it expires on the same day as the                        applicant's firearm or shot gun certificate (or, if the applicant holds both a firearm and shot gun certificate, either of                        them).                  

(3)Subsection (4) applies where an individual—                  

(a)holds an air weapon certificate, and                  

(b)makes an application for the grant or renewal of a firearm or shot gun certificate under the 1968 Act.                  

(4)Where this subsection applies, the applicant may make an application under section 3 of this Act for the air weapon certificate                        to be renewed as from the same day as that on which the firearm or shot gun certificate is granted or renewed.                  

Commencement Information

I9S. 9(1)(2) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 10Variation of air weapon certificateS

(1)The chief constable may, by giving notice to the holder of an air weapon certificate—                  

(a)vary the holder's certificate,                  

(b)attach conditions to the certificate, or                  

(c)vary or revoke a condition attached to the certificate other than—                  

(i)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to air weapon certificates, or                  

(ii)a condition which must be attached to the certificate under this Part.                  

(2)The chief constable may give a notice under subsection (1)—                  

(a)on the application of the holder of an air weapon certificate, or                  

(b)of the chief constable's own accord (at any time).                  

(3)The chief constable may not attach to an air weapon certificate a condition which is inconsistent with—                  

(a)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to air weapon certificates, or                  

(b)a condition which must be attached to the certificate under this Part.                  

(4)For the purposes of this section, the chief constable may by notice given to the holder of an air weapon certificate require                        the holder to produce the certificate within the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the notice is given.                  

Commencement Information

I10S. 10 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 11Revocation of air weapon certificateS

(1)The chief constable must revoke an air weapon certificate if—                  

(a)the chief constable is satisfied that the holder of the certificate can no longer be permitted to possess an air weapon without                        danger to the public safety or to the peace, or                  

(b)the holder is prohibited from possessing an air weapon or other firearm under section 21 of the 1968 Act.                  

(2)The chief constable may revoke an air weapon certificate if—                  

(a)the chief constable has reason to believe that the holder—                  

(i)is no longer a fit person to be entrusted with an air weapon, or                  

(ii)no longer has a good reason to use, possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon,                  

(b)the chief constable is satisfied that the holder of the certificate has failed to comply with a condition attached to the                        certificate, or                  

(c)the holder fails to produce the certificate when required to do so under section 10(4).                  

(3)An air weapon certificate is revoked by the chief constable giving notice to the holder of the certificate to that effect.                  

(4)A notice under subsection (3) must—                  

(a)be given at least 7 days before the date on which the revocation is to take effect, and                  

(b)require the holder to surrender the certificate and any air weapons that the holder possesses by such date as the chief constable                        may specify in the notice.                  

(5)It is an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with the requirements of a notice given under                        subsection (3).                  

(6)A person who commits an offence under subsection (5) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

(7)In the event that the holder of an air weapon certificate makes an appeal under section 34 against a decision to revoke the                        holder's certificate—                  

(a)the revocation does not take effect, but                  

(b)the holder must still surrender the certificate and any air weapons that the holder possesses in accordance with the requirements                        of the notice given under subsection (3),                  

pending the determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

Commencement Information

I11S. 11(1)-(4)(7) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

### PermitsS

#### 12Police permitsS

(1)The chief constable may, on the application of an individual, grant a permit (“a police permit”) authorising the individual—                  

(a)to possess or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate, or                  

(b)to sell (or expose for sale) an air weapon in the course of that individual's business.                  

(2)A police permit must not be granted to an individual who is prohibited from possessing an air weapon or other firearm under                        section 21 of the 1968 Act.                  

(3)A police permit expires (unless earlier revoked or cancelled) on the expiry date specified in the permit.                  

(4)An application for a police permit is valid only if it complies with the requirements of any regulations under section 36                        which apply to the application.                  

Commencement Information

I12S. 12 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 13Visitor permitsS

(1)The chief constable may, on the application of a qualifying visitor, grant a permit (“a visitor permit”) authorising the visitor                        to use, possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate for the period (or a part of                        it) that the qualifying visitor is in Scotland.                  

(2)A person may, on behalf of a group of 2 to 20 qualifying visitors, make an application to the chief constable for each member                        of the group to be granted a visitor permit.                  

(3)The chief constable may grant a visitor permit to some or all of the members of the group.                  

(4)The chief constable may grant a visitor permit only if satisfied—                  

(a)in the case of an individual application, that the qualifying visitor has a good reason for using, possessing, purchasing                        or acquiring an air weapon while visiting Scotland,                  

(b)in the case of a group application, that each qualifying visitor is to use and possess an air weapon while visiting Scotland                        only—                  

(i)for sporting purposes (including shooting live quarry) on private land,                  

(ii)for the purposes of target shooting on private land, or                  

(iii)for the purposes of participating in an event or competition,                  

(c)in every case—                  

(i)that the qualifying visitor can be permitted to possess an air weapon without danger to the public safety or to the peace,                        and                  

(ii)that the qualifying visitor is not prohibited from possessing an air weapon or other firearm under section 21 of the 1968                        Act.                  

(5)For the purposes of subsection (4)(b)(i) and (ii) the chief constable may require the applicant to produce evidence that the                        owner or occupier of the land consents to the visitors' intended use or possession of air weapons on the land.                  

(6)Except where section 14 applies, the chief constable must, on granting a visitor permit in respect of a group application,                        attach to the permit as a condition that the holder of the permit may use and possess an air weapon only for such of the purposes                        described in subsection (4)(b) as the chief constable may specify in the condition.                  

(7)A visitor permit expires (unless earlier revoked or cancelled) on the expiry date specified in the permit.                  

(8)No visitor permit is to be granted for a period of longer than 12 months.                  

(9)An application for a visitor permit is valid only if it complies with the requirements of any regulations under section 36                        which apply to the application.                  

(10)For the purposes of this section and section 14—                  
          -  “group application” means an application under subsection (2) for visitor permits made by a person on behalf of qualifying visitors in a group,                         
          -  “individual application” means an application under subsection (1) for a visitor permit made by the qualifying visitor,                         
          -  “qualifying visitor” means an individual who is—                          (a)
aged 14 years or more,
(b)
not ordinarily resident in Scotland, and
(c)
visiting (or intending to visit) Scotland.
 

Commencement Information

I13S. 13 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 14Visitor permits: young personsS

(1)This section applies—                  

(a)where an individual applicant for a visitor permit is under the age of 18,                  

(b)in respect of any individual who is—                  

(i)under the age of 18, and                  

(ii)on whose behalf a visitor permit is applied for as part of a group application.                  

(2)A parent or guardian of the applicant or individual under the age of 18 must consent in the prescribed form and manner to                        the making of the application.                  

(3)The chief constable must, on granting a visitor permit in respect of an individual application, attach to the permit—                  

(a)the condition described in section 7(4), and                  

(b)one or more of the conditions described in subsection (5) of that section.                  

(4)The chief constable must, on granting a visitor permit in respect of a group application, attach to the permit—                  

(a)the condition described in section 7(4), and                  

(b)one or more of the conditions described in paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (5) of that section.                  

(5)It is sufficient, for the purposes of section 13(4)(a), for the chief constable to be satisfied that the applicant has a good                        reason for using or possessing an air weapon.                  

Commencement Information

I14S. 14 in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 15Police and visitor permits: conditionsS

(1)Every police permit and visitor permit is subject to any prescribed mandatory conditions.                  

(2)The chief constable may, when granting a police permit or a visitor permit, attach conditions to the permit.                  

(3)The chief constable may not attach to a police permit or a visitor permit a condition which is inconsistent with—                  

(a)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to police permits or, as the case may be, visitor permits, or                  

(b)a condition which must be attached to the permit under this Part.                  

(4)It is an offence for the holder of a police permit or a visitor permit to fail to comply with a condition attached to the                        permit.                  

(5)An individual who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level                        3 on the standard scale.                  

Commencement Information

I15S. 15(1)-(3) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 16Police and visitor permits: variation and revocationS

(1)The chief constable may, by giving notice to the holder of a police permit or a visitor permit—                  

(a)vary the permit,                  

(b)attach conditions to the permit,                  

(c)vary or revoke a condition attached to the permit other than—                  

(i)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to the permit, or                  

(ii)a condition which must be attached to a permit under this Part, or                  

(d)revoke the permit.                  

(2)The chief constable may give a notice under subsection (1)—                  

(a)on the application of the holder of a police permit or visitor permit, or                  

(b)of the chief constable's own accord (at any time).                  

(3)The chief constable may not attach to a police permit or a visitor permit a condition which is inconsistent with—                  

(a)a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to police permits or, as the case may be, visitor permits, or                  

(b)a condition which must be attached to the permit under this Part.                  

(4)For the purposes of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (1), the chief constable may by giving notice to the holder of a police                        permit or a visitor permit require the holder to produce the permit within the period of 21 days beginning with the date on                        which the notice is given.                  

(5)A notice given under subsection (1) which revokes a police permit or a visitor permit must—                  

(a)be given at least 7 days before the date on which the revocation is to take effect, and                  

(b)require the holder of the permit to surrender the permit and any air weapons that the holder possesses by such date as the                        chief constable may specify in the notice.                  

(6)It is an offence for the holder of a police permit or a visitor permit, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with                        a requirement contained in a notice under subsection (1).                  

(7)An individual who commits an offence under subsection (6) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level                        3 on the standard scale.                  

(8)In the event that the holder of a police permit or a visitor permit makes an appeal under section 34 against a decision to                        revoke the holder's permit—                  

(a)the revocation does not take effect, but                  

(b)the holder must still surrender the permit and any air weapons that the holder possesses in accordance with the requirements                        of the notice given under subsection (1),                  

pending the determination or withdrawal of the appeal.

Commencement Information

I16S. 16(1)-(5)(8) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 17Event permitsS

(1)The chief constable may, on the application of a person (“the organiser”) who is organising or otherwise responsible for an                        event, grant a permit authorising individuals at the event to borrow, hire, use and possess air weapons while engaging in                        an event activity without holding an air weapon certificate (“an event permit”).                  

(2)The chief constable may, when granting an event permit, attach conditions to it.                  

(3)The organiser must ensure that the event permit (or a copy of it) is prominently displayed at the event so as to be capable                        of being read by any person attending the event.                  

(4)It is an offence for the organiser—                  

(a)to fail to comply with a condition attached to the event permit, or                  

(b)without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with subsection (3).                  

(5)A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

(6)An application for an event permit is valid only if it complies with the requirements of any regulations under section 36                        which apply to the application.                  

(7)For the purposes of this section, an “event activity” is an activity—                  

(a)involving the use and possession of air weapons by individuals, and                  

(b)which has been planned by (or on behalf of) the organiser as part of the event.                  

Commencement Information

I17S. 17(1)(2)(6)(7) in force at 1.7.2016 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

### Air weapon clubs and recreational shooting facilitiesS

#### 18Approval of air weapon clubsS

(1)The chief constable may, on the application of an air weapon club, grant or renew an approval of the club.                  

(2)An application for the grant or renewal of an approval of an air weapon club is valid only if it complies with the requirements                        of any regulations under section 36 which apply to the application.                  

(3)The chief constable may, at any time by giving notice to an approved air weapon club, withdraw the club's approval.                  

(4)Every approval of an air weapon club is subject to any prescribed mandatory conditions.                  

(5)The chief constable may, when granting or renewing an approval, attach conditions to the approval (and in the case of a renewal,                        may attach different conditions from those attached to the approval prior to its renewal).                  

(6)The chief constable may not attach to an approval a condition which is inconsistent with a prescribed mandatory condition                        which applies to approvals.                  

Commencement Information

I18S. 18 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 19Variation of approvalS

(1)The chief constable may, by giving notice in writing to an approved air weapon club—                  

(a)vary the club's approval,                  

(b)attach conditions to the club's approval, or                  

(c)vary or revoke a condition attached to the club's approval other than a prescribed mandatory condition which applies to approvals.                  

(2)The chief constable may give a notice under subsection (1)—                  

(a)on the application of the approved air weapon club, or                  

(b)of the chief constable's own accord (at any time).                  

(3)The chief constable may not attach to an approval a condition which is inconsistent with a prescribed mandatory condition                        which applies to approvals.                  

Commencement Information

I19S. 19 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 20Duration of approvalS

(1)An approval of an air weapon club expires (unless earlier withdrawn) at the end of the period of 6 years beginning with the                        date on which the approval is granted or renewed.                  

(2)Where an approved air weapon club has applied for the renewal of its approval before its expiry but the chief constable has                        not, as at the date of its expiry, determined whether or not to grant the renewal, the approval is to continue to have effect                        until the application is determined.                  

(3)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations amend subsection (1) to specify a different period.                  

Commencement Information

I20S. 20 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 21Alignment of club approvalsS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where an air weapon club—                  

(a)is approved as a rifle club under section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 (“the 1988 Act”), and                  

(b)makes an application for the grant or renewal of an approval under section 18(1) of this Act.                  

(2)Where this subsection applies, the club may request that the chief constable grant or renew its approval under section 18(1)                        of this Act for such shorter period than is provided for in section 20(1) of this Act as is appropriate to secure that it                        expires on the same day as the club's approval under section 15 of the 1988 Act.                  

(3)Subsection (4) applies where a club—                  

(a)is an approved air weapon club, and                  

(b)makes an application for the grant or renewal of an approval as a rifle club under section 15 of the 1988 Act.                  

(4)Where this subsection applies, the club may make an application under section 18(1) of this Act for the club's approval to                        be renewed as from the same day as that on which the club's application for approval under section 15 of the 1988 Act is granted                        or renewed.                  

Commencement Information

I21S. 21 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 22Power to enter and inspect club premisesS

(1)The chief constable may, for the purposes of ascertaining whether the provisions of this Part or any conditions attached to                        an approved air weapon club's approval are being complied with, authorise a constable or a member of police staff—                  

(a)to enter any club premises of an approved air weapon club, and                  

(b)to inspect those premises and anything on them which is relevant to the purposes for which the authorisation was granted.                  

(2)The power of a constable or a member of police staff under subsection (1)(b) to inspect anything on club premises includes                        power to require any information which is stored in electronic form and accessible from the premises to be produced in a form                        which is visible and legible.                  

(3)A constable or a member of police staff may exercise the powers of entry conferred by this section only at a reasonable time,                        unless it appears to the constable or member of police staff that the purposes of entering the club premises may be frustrated                        if the constable or member of police staff seeks to enter at a reasonable time.                  

(4)A constable or a member of police staff must, if asked, produce the authorisation before entering any premises under this                        section.                  

(5)The chief constable may delegate the power to grant an authorisation under subsection (1) only to a constable who holds the                        rank of inspector or above.                  

(6)It is an offence for a person to obstruct intentionally a constable or a member of police staff in the exercise of the constable's                        or member of police staff's powers under an authorisation granted under this section.                  

(7)A person who commits an offence under subsection (6) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

(8)In this section, “club premises”, in relation to an approved air weapon club, means any premises, other than a dwelling, occupied or used by the club.                  

Commencement Information

I22S. 22 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 23Requirements for recreational shooting facilitiesS

(1)A person who operates a recreational shooting facility must—                  

(a)hold or (if not an individual) ensure that an individual responsible for the management and operation of the facility holds,                        an air weapon certificate, and                  

(b)at all times that the facility is in use, display the certificate (or a copy of it) prominently on the facility so as to be                        capable of being read by anyone considering whether to use the facility.                  

(2)It is an offence for a person who operates a recreational shooting facility—                  

(a)to fail to comply with subsection (1)(a), or                  

(b)without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with subsection (1)(b).                  

(3)A person who commits an offence under subsection (2) is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding                        6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).                  

(4)In this section, “recreational shooting facility” means—                  

(a)a miniature rifle range or a shooting gallery at which air weapons are used, or                  

(b)a facility for combat games which involve using an air weapon,                  

which is operated with a view to making a profit.

(5)This section does not apply to an approved air weapon club.                  

### Transactions involving air weapons and commercial mattersS

#### 24Restrictions on transactions involving air weaponsS

(1)It is an offence for a person other than a registered firearms dealer, by way of trade or business, to—                  

(a)manufacture, sell, transfer, repair or test an air weapon,                  

(b)expose an air weapon for sale or transfer, or                  

(c)possess an air weapon for the purposes of its sale, transfer, repair or testing.                  

(2)It is an offence for a person (“A”) to sell or transfer an air weapon to another person (“B”) unless—                  

(a)B is a registered firearms dealer,                  

(b)B holds an air weapon certificate (without a condition attached to it preventing B from purchasing or acquiring an air weapon)                        and shows it to A,                  

(c)A is a registered firearms dealer and is satisfied that—                  

(i)in a case where B is an individual, B is aged 18 years or more, and                  

(ii)the air weapon is to be delivered to a place outwith Great Britain, or to a registered firearms dealer in England or Wales,                        without first coming into B's possession, or                  

(d)B provides evidence to A that B is otherwise entitled to purchase or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        by virtue of the provisions of this Part.                  

(3)It is an offence for a person (“A”) to manufacture, repair or test an air weapon for another person (“B”) unless—                  

(a)B is a registered firearms dealer,                  

(b)B holds an air weapon certificate and shows it to A, or                  

(c)B provides evidence to A that B is otherwise entitled to possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate by                        virtue of the provisions of this Part.                  

(4)A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—                  

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or                        both),                  

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both).                  

#### 25Requirement for commercial sales of air weapons to be in personS

(1)This section applies where a person (“the seller”) sells an air weapon by way of trade or business to an individual in Great                        Britain who is not a registered firearms dealer.                  

(2)It is an offence for the seller, for the purposes of the sale, to transfer possession of the weapon to the purchaser otherwise                        than at a time when both the purchaser and the seller (or a representative of the seller) are present in person.                  

(3)The reference in subsection (2) to a representative of the seller is a reference to—                  

(a)a person who is employed by the seller in the seller's business as a registered firearms dealer,                  

(b)a registered firearms dealer (“A”) who has been authorised by the seller to act on the seller's behalf in relation to the                        sale, or                  

(c)a person who is employed by A in A's business as a registered firearms dealer.                  

(4)A person who commits an offence under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding                        12 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).                  

### EnforcementS

#### 26Power of search with warrantS

(1)A sheriff may, on the application of a constable or a member of police staff, grant a warrant to the applicant under this                        section if satisfied, by evidence on oath, that there is a reasonable ground for suspecting—                  

(a)that an air weapon offence has been, is being, or is about to be committed, or                  

(b)that, in connection with an air weapon, there is a danger to the public safety or to the peace.                  

(2)A warrant under this section may authorise a constable or a member of police staff—                  

(a)to enter at any time any place named in the warrant, if necessary by force, and to search the place and every person found                        there,                  

(b)to seize and detain anything that the constable or member of police staff may find at the place, or on any such person, in                        respect of which or in connection with which the constable or member of police staff has a reasonable ground for suspecting—                  

(i)that an air weapon offence has been, is being or is about to be committed, or                  

(ii)that in connection with an air weapon there is a danger to the public safety or to the peace.                  

(3)The power of a constable or a member of police staff under subsection (2)(b) to seize and detain anything found at any place,                        or on any person found there, includes power to require any information which is stored in any electronic form and is accessible                        from the place or by the person to be produced in a form—                  

(a)which is visible and legible and can be taken away, or                  

(b)from which it can be readily produced in a visible and legible form and can be taken away.                  

(4)It is an offence for an individual to obstruct intentionally a constable or member of police staff in the exercise of the                        constable's or member of police staff's powers under a warrant granted under this section.                  

(5)An individual who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not                        exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).                  

#### 27Production of air weapon certificateS

(1)A constable may require a person whom the constable believes to be in possession of an air weapon to produce—                  

(a)the person's air weapon certificate, or                  

(b)evidence that the person is entitled to possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate by virtue of the provisions                        of this Act.                  

(2)Where a person fails to produce the air weapon certificate or evidence required under subsection (1), the constable may—                  

(a)seize and detain the air weapon, and                  

(b)require the person to provide (immediately) the person's name and address.                  

(3)It is an offence for a person—                  

(a)to fail to comply with a requirement under subsection (2)(b), or                  

(b)to provide a false name or address.                  

(4)A person who commits an offence under subsection (3) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

#### 28Cancellation of air weapon certificateS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where an individual (“A”) holding an air weapon certificate—                  

(a)is convicted of—                  

(i)an air weapon offence,                  

(ii)an offence under the 1968 Act, or                  

(iii)an offence for which A is sentenced to imprisonment or to detention in a young offenders' institution,                  

(b)has been ordered to keep the peace or to be of good behaviour and, as a condition of that, is not to possess, carry or use                        an air weapon or other firearm,                  

(c)is subject to a community payback order under section 227A of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 which contains a                        requirement not to possess, carry or use an air weapon or other firearm, or                  

(d)has been ordained to find caution and as a condition of that, is not to possess, carry or use an air weapon or other firearm.                  

(2)Where this subsection applies, the court by or before which A is convicted, or which imposes the condition or requirement,                        may cancel the air weapon certificate held by A.                  

(3)Where the court cancels an air weapon certificate under this section—                  

(a)the court must notify the chief constable of the cancellation, and                  

(b)the chief constable must, by notice given to A, require A to surrender A's air weapon certificate within the period of 21                        days beginning with the date the notice is given.                  

(4)It is an offence for an individual, without reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with the requirements of a notice under subsection                        (3)(b).                  

(5)An individual who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level                        3 on the standard scale.                  

Commencement Information

I23S. 28 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 29Forfeiture and disposal of air weaponsS

(1)Subsection (2) applies where a person (“A”) is convicted of an air weapon offence.                  

(2)Where this subsection applies, the court by or before which A is convicted may make such order as to the forfeiture or disposal                        of any air weapon found in A's possession as the court thinks fit.                  

(3)A constable may seize and detain an air weapon which may be the subject of an order for forfeiture under this section or which,                        but for subsection (5), could be the subject of such an order.                  

(4)A sheriff may, on an application of the chief constable, order the disposal (by any means the chief constable thinks fit)                        of any air weapon seized and detained by a constable under this Part.                  

(5)No order is to be made under subsection (2) or (4) for the forfeiture or disposal of an air weapon which is possessed for                        the purposes of a museum.                  

(6)Subsection (7) applies where—                  

(a)an air weapon is surrendered in pursuance of—                  

(i)a notice given under section 11(3) which revokes an individual's air weapon certificate, or                  

(ii)a notice given under section 16(1) which revokes an individual's police permit or visitor permit, and                  

(b)the individual appeals against the decision to revoke the individual's air weapon certificate, police permit or, as the case                        may be, visitor permit (and does not withdraw that appeal prior to its determination).                  

(7)Where this subsection applies—                  

(a)if the appeal is successful, the air weapon must be returned,                  

(b)if the appeal is dismissed, the sheriff may make such order for the disposal of the air weapon as the sheriff considers appropriate.                  

(8)Subsection (9) applies where—                  

(a)an air weapon is surrendered in pursuance of—                  

(i)a notice given under section 11(3) which revokes an individual's air weapon certificate, or                  

(ii)a notice given under section 16(1) which revokes an individual's police permit or visitor permit, and                  

(b)the individual—                  

(i)does not appeal against the decision to revoke the individual's air weapon certificate, police permit or, as the case may                        be, visitor permit, or                  

(ii)makes and subsequently withdraws an appeal against such a decision.                  

(9)Where this subsection applies, the air weapon is to be disposed of—                  

(a)in such manner as the chief constable and the owner of the weapon may agree, or                  

(b)in default of such agreement, in such manner as the chief constable may decide.                  

(10)Where the chief constable decides to dispose of an air weapon under subsection (9)(b), the chief constable must give the owner                        notice of the decision.                  

### OffencesS

#### 30Failure to keep air weapons secure or to report loss to policeS

(1)It is an offence for a person—                  

(a)to fail to take reasonable precautions for the safe custody of an air weapon possessed by the person, or                  

(b)to fail to report as soon as reasonably practicable to the chief constable the loss or theft of an air weapon possessed by                        the person.                  

(2)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

#### 31False statements, certificates and permitsS

(1)It is an offence for an individual to knowingly or recklessly make any statement which is false in any material particular                        for the purposes of procuring (either personally or for another person)—                  

(a)the grant, renewal or variation of an air weapon certificate,                  

(b)the grant or variation of a police or visitor permit,                  

(c)the grant of an event permit, or                  

(d)the grant, renewal or variation of an approval of an air weapon club.                  

(2)It is an offence for an individual, with a view to purchasing, acquiring or procuring the repair or testing of an air weapon—                  

(a)to produce a false air weapon certificate, police permit or visitor permit,                  

(b)to produce an air weapon certificate, police permit or visitor permit which has been improperly altered, or                  

(c)to knowingly or recklessly make a statement which is false in a material particular.                  

(3)An individual who commits an offence under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding                        12 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).                  

Commencement Information

I24S. 31(1)(3) in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 32Time limit for offencesS

Section 136 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (time limit for certain offences) applies to an air weapon offence                     which is triable only summarily as if the references in subsection (1) of that section to 6 months were to 36 months (and                     subsection (2) of that section were omitted).                  

Commencement Information

I25S. 32 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 33Offences by bodies corporate etc.S

(1)Subsection (2) applies where—                  

(a)an offence under this Part has been committed by—                  

(i)a body corporate,                  

(ii)a Scottish partnership, or                  

(iii)an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership, and                  

(b)it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of, or was attributable to neglect on the part                        of—                  

(i)a relevant individual, or                  

(ii)an individual purporting to act in the capacity of a relevant individual.                  

(2)The individual (as well as the body corporate, partnership or (as the case may be) association) commits the offence and is                        liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.                  

(3)In subsection (1), “relevant individual” means—                  

(a)in relation to a body corporate (other than a limited liability partnership)—                  

(i)a director, manager, secretary or similar officer of the body,                  

(ii)where the affairs of the body are managed by its members, a member,                  

(b)in relation to a limited liability partnership, a member,                  

(c)in relation to a Scottish partnership, a partner,                  

(d)in relation to an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership, an individual who is concerned in the management                        or control of the association.                  

Commencement Information

I26S. 33 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

### GeneralS

#### 34AppealsS

(1)A person aggrieved by a decision of the chief constable under a section listed in subsection (2) may appeal against the decision                        to the appropriate sheriff.                  

(2)The sections are—                  

(a)section 5(1) (grant or renewal of air weapon certificate),                  

(b)section 6(2) (air weapon certificate: conditions),                  

(c)section 7(3)(b) (special requirements and conditions for young person's air weapon certificate),                  

(d)section 10(1) (variation of air weapon certificate),                  

(e)section 11(1)(a) or (2) (revocation of air weapon certificate),                  

(f)section 12(1) (police permits),                  

(g)section 13(1) or (6) (visitor permits),                  

(h)section 14(3)(b) or (4)(b) (visitor permits: young persons),                  

(i)section 15(2) (police and visitor permits: conditions),                  

(j)section 16(1) (police and visitor permits: variation and revocation),                  

(k)section 17(1) or (2) (event permits),                  

(l)section 18(1), (3) or (5) (approval of air weapon clubs),                  

(m)section 19(1) (variation of approval for air weapon clubs),                  

(n)section 29(9)(b) (forfeiture and disposal of air weapons).                  

(3)An appeal must be made within the period of 21 days beginning with the date on which the decision appealed against was made.                  

(4)An appeal under this section is to be determined on the merits (and not by way of review).                  

(5)The sheriff hearing the appeal may consider any evidence or other matter, whether or not it was available at the time the                        chief constable made the decision appealed against.                  

(6)On determining the appeal, the sheriff may—                  

(a)dismiss the appeal,                  

(b)give the chief constable such direction as the sheriff considers appropriate as respects the matter which is the subject of                        the appeal.                  

(7)The decision of the sheriff may be appealed against only on a point of law.                  

(8)In this section, “the appropriate sheriff” means—                  

(a)in a case where the appellant resides in Scotland, a sheriff of the sheriffdom in which the appellant resides, or                  

(b)in a case where the appellant resides outwith Scotland, a sheriff of the sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders, sitting at Edinburgh.                  

Commencement Information

I27S. 34(1)(2)(a)-(m)(3)-(8) in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 35FeesS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for the charging of fees by the chief constable—                  

(a)in respect of applications under this Part, and                  

(b)otherwise in respect of the performance of functions by the chief constable under this Part.                  

(2)Regulations under subsection (1) may—                  

(a)specify different fees for different circumstances,                  

(b)specify circumstances in which no fee is payable,                  

(c)provide for fees to be determined by reference to such factors (including the value of money) as may be specified in the regulations.                  

(3)Where regulations under subsection (1) provide for a fee to be charged in respect of an application under this Part, the application                        is valid only when the fee is paid.                  

(4)Nothing in this section limits the generality of section 85.                  

Commencement Information

I28S. 35(1)(2)(4) in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

I29S. 35(3) in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 36Power to make further provisionS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision for the purposes of this Part.                  

(2)Without limiting that generality (or the generality of section 85), regulations under subsection (1) may—                  

(a)make provision about the application processes under this Part (for example, prescribing the form and content of applications,                        any required supporting documentation or making further provision about the verification of applications),                  

(b)make provision in relation to air weapon certificates, police permits, visitor permits, event permits and approvals of air                        weapon clubs (for example, prescribing their form and content or the conditions which may or must be attached to them).                  

Commencement Information

I30S. 36 in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 37Crown applicationS

(1)No contravention of any provision made by or under this Part makes the Crown criminally liable.                  

(2)But the Court of Session may, on the application of the Scottish Ministers, the chief constable or any other public body or                        office-holder having responsibility for enforcing the provision, declare unlawful any act or omission of the Crown which constitutes                        such a contravention.                  

(3)Despite subsection (1), any provision made by or under this Part applies to a person in the public service of the Crown as                        it applies to other persons.                  

Commencement Information

I31S. 37 in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

#### 38Transitional arrangements for existing certificate holdersS

(1)This section applies where, on the day on which section 2(1) comes into force, a person aged 14 years or more holds a firearm                        certificate or a shot gun certificate (“the existing certificate”).                  

(2)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for the person to use and possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        for the duration of the transitional period.                  

(3)The person must, in relation to such use or possession, comply with—                  

(a)any prescribed mandatory conditions which apply to the use and possession of air weapons, and                  

(b)if the person is under the age of 18, the conditions mentioned in section 7(5).                  

(4)A person who fails to comply with a condition mentioned in subsection (3) commits an offence.                  

(5)But it is not an offence under subsection (4) for a person to fail to comply with a condition mentioned in subsection (3)                        if—                  

(a)the person is entitled to use or possess an air weapon by virtue of an exemption under schedule 1, and                  

(b)the failure relates to the use or possession of an air weapon in accordance with the exemption.                  

(6)A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on                        the standard scale.                  

(7)In this section, the “transitional period” means, in relation to an existing certificate, the period—                  

(a)beginning with the day on which section 2(1) comes into force, and                  

(b)ending with (the earlier of)—                  

(i)the day on which the existing certificate is, or falls to be, renewed, or                  

(ii)the day on which the existing certificate is surrendered, cancelled or revoked.                  

(8)For the purposes of subsection (7)(b)(i), where a person holds both a firearm certificate and a shot gun certificate, the                        existing certificate is the certificate which is, or which falls to be, renewed later.                  

(9)For the purposes of subsection (7)(b)(ii), where a person holds both a firearm certificate and a shot gun certificate—                  

(a)the surrender of one of the certificates does not end the transitional period, but                  

(b)the cancellation or revocation of either certificate ends the transitional period.                  

(10)For the purposes of paragraph 16 of schedule 1, this section is to be treated as if it were an exemption under that schedule.                  

#### 39GuidanceS

(1)The chief constable must, in exercising any function under this Part, have regard to any guidance issued by the Scottish Ministers.                  

(2)The Scottish Ministers must publish any guidance they issue for the purposes of this Part.                  

(3)The Scottish Ministers may revise and revoke such guidance.                  

Commencement Information

I32S. 39(1) in force at 1.7.2016 by S.S.I. 2016/130, art. 2, **sch.** (with arts. 5, 6)

I33S. 39(2)(3) in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 40Interpretation of Part 1S

(1)In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires—                  
          -  “the 1968 Act” means the Firearms Act 1968,                         
          -  “acquire” means hire, accept as a gift or borrow and “acquisition” is to be construed accordingly,                         
          -  “air weapon” is to be construed in accordance with section 1,                         
          -  “air weapon certificate” means an air weapon certificate granted under section 5(1),                         
          -  “air weapon club” means an association of individuals which has as a purpose the activity of target shooting with air weapons,                         
          -  “air weapon offence” means any offence under this Part,                         
          -  “approval”, in relation to an air weapon club, means an approval granted to the club under section 18(1),                         
          -  “approved air weapon club” means an air weapon club which has been granted an approval by the chief constable under section 18(1),                         
          -  “chief constable” means the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland,                         
          -  “condition” includes requirement and restriction,                         
          -  “constable” has the meaning given in section 99(1) of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012,                         
          -  “event permit” means a permit granted under section 17(1),                         
          -  “firearm certificate” is to be construed in accordance with section 57(4) of the 1968 Act,                         
          -  “guardian”, in relation to an individual, means a person appointed by deed or will or by a court of competent jurisdiction to be the                           guardian of the individual,                         
          -  “member of police staff” means an individual appointed under section 26 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012,                         
          -  “member of staff of the Scottish Police Authority” means an individual appointed under paragraph 6(1) of schedule 1 to the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012,                         
          -  “miniature rifle range” is to be construed in accordance with section 11 of the 1968 Act,                         
          -  “museum” means a museum or similar institution which has as its purpose, or one of its purposes, the preservation for the public                           benefit of a collection of historical, artistic or scientific interest which is maintained wholly or mainly out of money provided                           by Parliament, a Minister of the Crown, the Scottish Ministers or a local authority,                         
          -  “police permit” means a permit granted under section 12(1),                         
          -  “premises” means any place and includes a vehicle, vessel or moveable structure,                         
          -  “prescribed” means prescribed in regulations made under section 36,                         
          -  “registered firearms dealer” means a person registered as a firearms dealer under section 33 of the 1968 Act,                         
          -  “relative”, in relation to an individual, means—                          (a)
the spouse, civil partner, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent or grandchild of the individual or of the individual's                                    spouse, former spouse, civil partner or former civil partner, or                                 
(b)
the sibling, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece (whether of the full blood or of the half blood or by affinity) of the individual                                    or the individual's spouse, former spouse, civil partner or former civil partner,                                 
  and includes, in relation to an individual who is living or has lived with another individual as if they were spouses or civil                           partners, any individual who would fall within paragraph (a) or (b) if the parties were married or civilly partnered to each                           other,                         
          -  “shot gun certificate” is to be construed in accordance with section 57(4) of the 1968 Act,                         
          -  “transfer” includes let on hire, give, lend and part with possession,                         
          -  “visitor permit” means a permit granted under section 13(1).                         

(2)In this Part, a reference to an individual holding an air weapon certificate, a police permit or a visitor permit is a reference                        to an individual holding an air weapon certificate, police permit or, as the case may be, visitor permit—                  

(a)granted to the individual under section 5, 12 or, as the case may be, 13, and                  

(b)which has not expired or been revoked or cancelled.                  

(3)In this Part, a reference to a condition attached to an air weapon certificate, police permit, visitor permit, event permit                        or approval of an air weapon club includes a reference to any condition to which the certificate, permit or as the case may                        be, approval is subject by virtue of this Act.                  

(4)Any expression used in this Part which is also used in an Act listed in subsection (5) is, unless the context otherwise requires,                        to be construed in accordance with any decisions or opinions of a court interpreting the expression for the purposes of the                        Act.                  

(5)The Acts are—                  

(a)the 1968 Act,                  

(b)the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, and                  

(c)the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.                  

Commencement Information

I34S. 40 in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

## **PART 2**SALCOHOL LICENSING

### Licensing objectivesS

#### 41Licensing objectives: protecting young persons from harmS

In section 4 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 (“the 2005 Act”) (the licensing objectives), in subsection (1)(e), after “children” insert “ and young persons ”.                  

### Statements of licensing policyS

#### 42Statements of licensing policy: licensing policy periodsS

In section 6 of the 2005 Act (statements of licensing policy)—

(a)in subsection (1), for “3 year period” substitute “ licensing policy period ”,                  

(b)in subsection (2), for “3 year period” substitute “ licensing policy period ”,                  

(c)after subsection (3) insert—                  

“(3ZA)A Licensing Board may, in preparing a licensing policy statement, decide that the licensing policy period to which the statement                           relates is to begin on a date earlier than it otherwise would under subsection (7).                  

(3ZB)Where a Licensing Board make a decision under subsection (3ZA) they must, when publishing the licensing policy statement under                           subsection (6), publicise the date on which they have decided the licensing policy period is to begin.”,                  

(d)in subsection (4), for “3 year period” substitute “ licensing policy period ”,                  

(e)for subsection (7) substitute—                  

“(7)Subject to subsection (3ZA), in this section, “licensing policy period” means the period between each relevant date.                  

(8)For the purposes of subsection (7), “relevant date” means the date occurring 18 months after an ordinary election of councillors for local government areas takes place under                           section 5 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.”.                  

### Fit and proper person testS

#### 43Premises licence application: ground for refusalS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 22 (objections and representations)—                  

(a)after subsection (1) insert—                  

“(1A)A person giving a notice under subsection (1) may include in the notice any information that the person considers may be relevant                           to consideration by the Board of any ground for refusal including, in particular, information in relation to—                  

(a)the applicant,                  

(b)where the applicant is neither an individual nor a council, a connected person in relation to the applicant, or                  

(c)any person who would be an interested party in relation to the subject premises if the application were to be granted.”,                  

(b)in subsection (3)(b), after “representation” insert “ (including any information included under subsection (1A)) ”.                  

(3)In section 23 (determination of premises licence application)—                  

(a)in subsection (5)—                  

(i)after paragraph (b) insert—                  

“(ba)that the Licensing Board consider, having regard to the licensing objectives, that the applicant is not a fit and proper person                           to be the holder of a premises licence,”,                  

(ii)in paragraph (c), after “would” insert “ otherwise ”,                  

(b)in subsection (6), for the words “the granting of the application would be inconsistent with one or more of the licensing                        objectives,” substitute “ either of the grounds for refusal specified in subsection (5)(ba) and (c) applies, ”,                  

(c)in subsection (8)(b), for “(5)(c)” substitute “ (5)(ba) or (c) ”.                  

#### 44Application to transfer premises licence: ground for refusalS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 33 (transfer on application of licence holder)—                  

(a)after subsection (7) insert—                  

“(7A)On giving a notice under subsection (6)(a) or (b), the chief constable may also provide to the Licensing Board any information                           in relation to—                  

(a)the transferee,                  

(b)where the transferee is neither an individual nor a council, a connected person, or                  

(c)any person who would be an interested party in relation to the licensed premises if the application for the transfer of the                           licence to the transferee were to be granted,                  

that the chief constable considers may be relevant to consideration by the Board of the application.”,                  

(b)in subsection (8)—                  

(i)the word “and” immediately following paragraph (a) is repealed,                  

(ii)after paragraph (b) insert “, and                   

(c)no information has been provided under subsection (7A),”,                  

(c)in subsection (10)—                  

(i)after “notice” insert “ and any information provided under subsection (7A) ”,                  

(ii)in paragraph (a), for the words from “it” to “objectives” substitute “ a ground for refusal applies ”,                  

(d)after subsection (10) insert—                  

“(11)The grounds for refusal are—                  

(a)that, having regard to the licensing objectives, the transferee is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a premises                           licence,                  

(b)that it is otherwise necessary to refuse the application for the purposes of any of the licensing objectives.”.                  

#### 45Ground for review of premises licenceS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 36 (application for review of premises licence)—                  

(a)in subsection (3), before paragraph (a) insert—                  

“(za)that, having regard to the licensing objectives, the licence holder is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a premises                           licence,”,                  

(b)in subsection (5), before paragraph (a) insert—                  

“(za)where the ground is that specified in subsection (3)(za), a summary of the information on which the applicant's view that                           the alleged ground applies is based,”,                  

(c)after subsection (5) insert—                  

“(5A)A person making a premises licence review application may include in the application any information that the applicant considers                           may be relevant to consideration by the Licensing Board of the alleged ground for review including, in particular, information                           in relation to—                  

(a)the licence holder,                  

(b)where the licence holder is neither an individual nor a council, a connected person in relation to the licence holder, or                  

(c)any person who is an interested party in relation to the licensed premises.”.                  

(3)In section 37 (review of premises licence on Licensing Board's initiative)––                  

(a)in subsection (4), before paragraph (a) insert—                  

“(za)where the ground is that specified in section 36(3)(za), a summary of the information on which the Board's view that the alleged                           ground applies is based,”,                  

(b)after subsection (4) insert—                  

“(5)A Licensing Board making a premises licence review proposal may include in the proposal any information that the Board considers                           may be relevant to their consideration of the alleged ground for review including, in particular, information in relation                           to—                  

(a)the licence holder,                  

(b)where the licence holder is neither an individual nor a council, a connected person in relation to the licence holder, or                  

(c)any person who is an interested party in relation to the licensed premises.”.                  

(4)In section 39 (Licensing Board's powers on review)—                  

(a)after subsection (1), insert—                  

“(1A)Subsection (1) is subject to subsection (2A).”,                  

(b)after subsection (2), insert—                  

“(2A)Where, at a review hearing in relation to any premises licence, the Licensing Board are satisfied that the ground for review                           specified in section 36(3)(za) is established, the Board must revoke the licence.                  

(2B)Subject to section 39B, a revocation under subsection (2A) takes effect at the end of the period of 28 days beginning with                           the day on which the Board makes the decision.”.                  

(5)In section 39A (notification of determinations), in subsection (1)—                  

(a)the word “or” immediately following paragraph (a) is repealed,                  

(b)after paragraph (b), insert “, or                   

(c)decides to revoke a premises licence under section 39(2A),”.                  

(6)After section 39A insert—                  

##### “39BRecall of revocation of licence under section 39(2A)

(1)This section applies where a Licensing Board decides to revoke a premises licence under section 39(2A).                  

(2)The Board must recall the revocation if—                  

(a)a relevant application is made before the end of the period referred to in section 39(2B) (“the 28 day period”), and                  

(b)the Board grants the application.                  

(3)The Board may extend the 28 day period pending determination of a relevant application.                  

(4)In this section, “relevant application” means—                  

(a)an application under section 33(1) for the transfer of the premises licence, or                  

(b)a premises licence variation application seeking a variation of the licence that the Board considers would remove the ground                           on which the licence was revoked under section 39(2A).                  

(5)This section does not affect the right to appeal against the decision to revoke the licence under section 39(2A).”.                  

(7)In Part 1 of schedule 5 (appeals to the sheriff principal), in the entry in the left-hand column relating to a decision under                        section 39(1), after “39(1)” insert “ or (2A) ”.                  

#### 46Personal licence applications and renewals: ground for refusalS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 73 (notification of application to the chief constable), after subsection (4) insert—                  

“(5)On giving a notice under subsection (3)(a) or (b), the chief constable may also provide to the Licensing Board any information                           in relation to the applicant that the chief constable considers may be relevant to consideration by the Board of the application.”.                  

(3)After section 73 of the 2005 Act insert—                  

##### “73ANotification of application to Licensing Standards Officer

(1)Where a Licensing Board receive a personal licence application, the Board must give notice of it, together with a copy of                           the application, to a Licensing Standards Officer for the Board's area.                  

(2)A Licensing Standards Officer may, within 21 days of the date of receipt of a notice under subsection (1), respond to the                           notice by giving the Licensing Board any information in relation to the applicant that the Officer considers may be relevant                           to consideration by the Board of the application.”.                  

(4)In section 74 (determination of personal licence application)—                  

(a)in subsection (2), after paragraph (c) insert—                  

“(ca)no information has been provided under section 73(5) or 73A(2),”,                  

(b)after subsection (5A) insert—                  

“(5AA)If—                  

(a)all of those conditions are met in relation to the applicant,                  

(b)the notice received from the chief constable under subsection (3)(a) or (b) of section 73 does not include a recommendation                           under subsection (4) of that section, and                  

(c)information has been provided under subsection (5) of that section or under section 73A(2),                  

the Board may hold a hearing for the purpose of considering and determining the application.”,                  

(c)in subsection (5B), after “(5A)” insert “ or (5AA) ”,                  

(d)in subsection (6)—                  

(i)for “(5) or (5A)” substitute “ (5), (5A) or (5AA) ”,                  

(ii)after “notice” insert “ and any information provided under section 73(5) or 73A(2) ”,                  

(iii)in paragraph (a), for the words from “it” to “objectives” substitute “ a ground for refusal applies ”,                  

(e)after subsection (6) insert—                  

“(6A)The grounds for refusal are—                  

(a)that, having regard to the licensing objectives, the applicant is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a personal                           licence,                  

(b)that it is otherwise necessary to refuse the application for the purposes of any of the licensing objectives.”.                  

(5)In section 78 (renewal of personal licence), in subsection (5), for “73 and 74” substitute “ 73, 73A and 74 ”.                  

#### 47Personal licence holders: procedure on receipt of notice of convictionS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 83 (procedure where Licensing Board receive notice of conviction)—                  

(a)after subsection (8), insert—                  

“(8A)Subsection (8) is subject to subsection (9A).”,                  

(b)after subsection (9), insert—                  

“(9A)Where, at the hearing, the Licensing Board are satisfied that, having regard to the licensing objectives, the licence holder                           is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a personal licence, the Board must make an order revoking the licence.”,                  

(c)in subsection (10), after “(9)” insert “ or (9A) ”.                  

(3)In Part 2 of schedule 5 (appeals to the sheriff), in the entry in the left-hand column relating to a decision to make an order                        under section 83(9), 84(7) or 86(3), for “83(9)” substitute “ 83(9) or (9A) ”.                  

#### 48Personal licence holders: conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectivesS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 84 (conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives)—                  

(a)after subsection (6), insert—                  

“(6A)Subsection (6) is subject to subsection (7A).”,                  

(b)after subsection (7), insert—                  

“(7A)Where, at the hearing, the Licensing Board are satisfied that, having regard to the licensing objectives, the licence holder                           is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a personal licence, the Board must make an order revoking the licence.”,                  

(c)in subsection (8), after “(7)” insert “ or (7A) ”.                  

(3)In section 84A (power of chief constable to report conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives), in subsection (3),                        for “(6), (7)” substitute “ (6), (6A), (7), (7A) ”.                  

(4)In Part 2 of schedule 5 (appeals to the sheriff), in the entry in the left-hand column relating to a decision to make an order                        under section 83(9), 84(7) or 86(3), for “84(7)” substitute “ 84(7) or (7A) ”.                  

Prospective

### Transfer of premises licencesS

#### 49Transfer of premises licencesS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                     

(2)In section 33 (transfer of premises licence on application of licence holder)—                     

(a)for subsections (1) to (3) substitute—                     

“(1)Any person, other than an individual under the age of 18, may apply to the appropriate Licensing Board for the transfer of                              a premises licence to the person (such person being referred to in this section and section 33A as the “transferee”).                     

(1A)An application under subsection (1) must—                     

(a)specify the date on which the transfer is to take effect, and                     

(b)be accompanied by—                     

(i)the premises licence to which the application relates or, if that is not practicable, a statement of the reasons for failure                              to produce the licence, and                     

(ii)a written statement signed by the holder of the premises licence consenting to its transfer to the transferee (a “consent                              statement”) or, if that is not practicable, a statement of the reasons for failure to obtain the licence holder's written                              consent.”,                     

(b)in subsection (4), after “constable” insert “ , unless the Board must refuse the application under subsection (8A) ”,                     

(c)in subsection (8), before paragraph (a) insert—                     

“(za)the application is accompanied by a consent statement referred to in subsection (1A)(b)(ii),”,                     

(d)after subsection (8) insert—                     

“(8A)If the application is not accompanied by a consent statement referred to in subsection (1A)(b)(ii), the Board must refuse                              the application, unless the Board dispenses with the requirement for a consent statement under section 33A(4).”.                     

(3)The title of section 33 becomes “ **Application for transfer of premises licence** ”.                     

(4)After section 33 insert—                     

##### “33AApplication for transfer: further provision

(1)This section applies where a Licensing Board receives an application under section 33(1) for the transfer of a premises licence.                     

(2)The Board must take all reasonable steps to give notice of the application to the premises licence holder.                     

(3)Subsection (4) applies where the application is not accompanied by a consent statement referred to in section 33(1A)(b)(ii).                     

(4)The Board may dispense with the requirement for a consent statement if satisfied that the transferee has taken all reasonable                              steps to contact the premises licence holder in order to obtain consent but has received no response.                     

(5)Where the Board decides under subsection (4) not to dispense with the requirement for a consent statement, the Board must                              give notice of the decision, and of the reasons for it, to the transferee.                     

(6)Where the Board decides under subsection (4) to dispense with the requirement for a consent statement the Board must hold                              a hearing under section 33(9) for the purpose of considering and determining the application.                     

(7)Where the Board grants the application, the transfer of the licence takes effect—                     

(a)on the date specified in the application in accordance with section 33(1A)(a), or                     

(b)where the Board grants the application after that date, on such date as the Board may determine.”.                     

(5)Section 34 (transfer on application of person other than licence holder) is repealed.                     

(6)In Part 1 of schedule 5 (appeals to the sheriff principal)—                     

(a)in column 1 of the entry relating to a decision to refuse an application under section 33(1) or 34(1) for transfer of a premises                           licence, the words “or 34(1)” are repealed,                     

(b)in column 2 of that entry, after “applicant” insert “ or the premises licence holder ”,                     

(c)after that entry insert—                     

### Relevant offences and foreign offencesS

#### 50Premises licences: procedure in relation to relevant offences or foreign offencesS

In section 44 of the 2005 Act (procedure where Licensing Board receive notice of conviction in relation to a premises licence)—

(a)in subsection (7), after “subsection (4)(b)” insert “ which includes a recommendation under subsection (5) ”,                  

(b)after subsection (7) insert—                  

“(7A)If the Licensing Board receive from the chief constable a notice under subsection (4)(b) which does not include a recommendation                           under subsection (5), the Licensing Board must—                  

(a)make a premises licence review proposal in respect of the premises licence, or                  

(b)decide to take no further action in relation to the conviction.”.                  

#### 51Personal licences: procedure in relation to relevant offences or foreign offencesS

In section 83 of the 2005 Act (procedure where Licensing Board receive notice of a conviction in relation to a personal licence)—

(a)in subsection (7), after “subsection (4)(b)” insert “ which includes a recommendation under subsection (5) ”,                  

(b)after subsection (7) insert—                  

“(7A)If the Licensing Board receive from the chief constable a notice under subsection (4)(b) which does not include a recommendation                           under subsection (5), the Licensing Board must—                  

(a)hold a hearing, or                  

(b)decide to take no further action in relation to the conviction.”,                  

(c)in subsection (8), for “the hearing” substitute “ a hearing under subsection (7) or (7A)(a) ”.                  

Prospective

#### 52Relevant offences and foreign offences: spent convictionsS

In section 129 of the 2005 Act (relevant offences and foreign offences), subsection (4) is repealed.

### Supply of alcohol to a child or young personS

#### 53Offences of supplying alcohol to a child or young personS

(1)After section 104 of the 2005 Act insert—                  

##### “104ASupply of alcohol to a child

(1)A person, other than a child or young person, who—                  

(a)buys or attempts to buy alcohol—                  

(i)on behalf of a child, or                  

(ii)for a child, or                  

(b)gives alcohol (or otherwise makes it available) to a child,                  

commits an offence.                  

(2)Subsection (1)(a)(ii) and (b) does not apply to the buying of alcohol for, or (as the case may be) giving or making available                           of alcohol to, a child—                  

(a)for consumption other than in a public place, or                  

(b)for the purposes of religious worship.                  

(3)In subsection (2)(a), “public place” includes—                  

(a)relevant premises,                  

(b)any place to which the public have access for the time being (whether on payment of a fee or otherwise), and                  

(c)any place to which the public do not have access but to which the child unlawfully gains access.                  

(4)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to—                  

(a)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale,                  

(b)imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or                  

(c)both.                  

##### 104BSupply of alcohol to a young person

(1)A person, other than a child or young person, who knowingly—                  

(a)buys or attempts to buy alcohol—                  

(i)on behalf of a young person, or                  

(ii)for a young person, or                  

(b)gives alcohol (or otherwise makes it available) to a young person,                  

commits an offence.                  

(2)Subsection (1)(a)(ii) and (b) does not apply to—                  

(a)the buying of alcohol for, or (as the case may be) giving or making available of alcohol to, a young person—                  

(i)for consumption other than in a public place, or                  

(ii)for the purposes of religious worship, or                  

(b)the buying, or (as the case may be) giving or making available, of beer, wine, cider or perry for consumption by a young person                           along with a meal supplied on relevant premises.                  

(3)In subsection (2)(a)(i), “public place” includes—                  

(a)relevant premises,                  

(b)any place to which the public have access for the time being (whether on payment of a fee or otherwise), and                  

(c)any place to which the public do not have access but to which the young person unlawfully gains access.                  

(4)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to—                  

(a)a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale,                  

(b)imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months, or                  

(c)both.”.                  

(2)In section 105 of the 2005 Act (purchase of alcohol by or for a child or young person)—                  

(a)subsections (4), (5) and (7) are repealed,                  

(b)the section title becomes “ **Purchase of alcohol by a child or young person** ”.                  

### MiscellaneousS

#### 54Meaning of “alcohol”: inclusion of angostura bittersS

In section 2 of the 2005 Act (meaning of “alcohol”), in subsection (1)(b), paragraph (iv) is repealed.

#### 55OverprovisionS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 7 (duty to assess overprovision)—                  

(a)in subsection (2), after “Act” insert “ and in doing so the Board may determine that the whole of the Board's area is a locality ”,                  

(b)in subsection (3)—                  

(i)the word “must” is repealed,                  

(ii)at the beginning of paragraph (a) insert “ must ”,                  

(iii)the word “and” immediately following that paragraph is repealed,                  

(iv)after that paragraph insert—                  

“(aa)may have regard to such other matters as the Board thinks fit including, in particular, the licensed hours of licensed premises                           in the locality, and”,                  

(v)at the beginning of paragraph (b) insert “ must ”.                  

(3)In section 23(5)(e) (refusal of premises licence on grounds of overprovision)—                  

(a)for the words from “that,” where first occurring to “situated,” substitute “ that ”,                  

(b)for “that description,” substitute “ the same or similar description as the subject premises, ”.                  

(4)In section 30(5)(d) (refusal to vary premises licence on grounds of overprovision)—                  

(a)for the words from “that,” where first occurring to “situated,” substitute “ that ”,                  

(b)for “that description,” substitute “ the same or similar description as the subject premises (taking account of the variation), ”.                  

#### 56Duties of Licensing Boards to produce annual reportsS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)After section 9 insert—                  

##### “9AAnnual functions report

(1)Each Licensing Board must prepare and publish a report not later than 3 months after the end of each financial year.                  

(2)A report under this section must include—                  

(a)a statement explaining how the Board has had regard to—                  

(i)the licensing objectives, and                  

(ii)their licensing policy statement and any supplementary licensing policy statement (including the Board's statement under section                           7(1) (duty to assess overprovision)),                  

in the exercise of their functions under this Act during the financial year,                  

(b)a summary of the decisions made by (or on behalf of) the Board during the financial year, and                  

(c)information about the number of licences held under this Act in the Board's area (including information about the number of                           occasional licences issued during the year).                  

(3)A report under this section may include such other information about the exercise of the Licensing Board's functions under                           this Act as the Board consider appropriate.                  

(4)At the request of a Licensing Board the relevant council must provide the Board with such information as the Board may reasonably                           require for the purpose of preparing a report under this section.                  

(5)In discharging their duties under subsection (1) and section 9B(1) (annual financial report), a Licensing Board may, if they                           consider it appropriate, prepare and publish a combined report containing the information required under this section and                           under section 9B (which combined report must be published not later than 3 months after the end of the financial year in question).                  

(6)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about reports under this section including, in particular,                           provision about—                  

(a)the form and required content of reports,                  

(b)the publication of reports.                  

(7)In this section, “financial year” means a yearly period ending on 31 March.                  

##### 9BAnnual financial report

(1)Each Licensing Board must prepare and publish a report not later than 3 months after the end of each financial year.                  

(2)A report under this section must include—                  

(a)a statement of—                  

(i)the amount of relevant income received by the Licensing Board during the financial year, and                  

(ii)the amount of relevant expenditure incurred in respect of the Board's area during the year, and                  

(b)an explanation of how the amounts in the statement were calculated.                  

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)—                  
          -  “relevant income”, in relation to a Licensing Board, means income received by the Board in connection with the exercise of the Board's functions                              under or by virtue of—                          (a)
this Act, or                                 
(b)
section 14(1) of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 (social responsibility levy) in so far as relating to holders of premises                                       licences or occasional licences, and                                 
 
          -  “relevant expenditure”, in relation to a Licensing Board, means any expenditure—                          (a)
which is attributable to the exercise of the Board's functions under or by virtue of—                                 
(i)
this Act, or                                          
(ii)
section 14(1) of the Alcohol etc. (Scotland) Act 2010 (social responsibility levy) in so far as relating to holders of premises                                                licences or occasional licences, and                                          
(b)
which is incurred by—                                 
(i)
the Board,                                          
(ii)
the relevant council, or                                          
(iii)
the Licensing Standards Officer (or Officers) for the Board's area.                                          
 

(4)At the request of a Licensing Board the relevant council must provide the Board with such information as the Board may reasonably                           require for the purpose of preparing a report under this section.                  

(5)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about reports under this section including provision—                  

(a)about the form and content of reports including, in particular—                  

(i)how a statement required under subsection (2) is to be set out, and                  

(ii)what constitutes relevant income and relevant expenditure for the purposes of subsection (2), and                  

(b)the publication of reports.                  

(6)Regulations under subsection (5)(a) may modify subsection (3).                  

(7)In this section, “financial year” means a yearly period ending on 31 March.”.                  

(3)In section 146 (orders and regulations: affirmative procedure),                  

(a)in subsection (4)(c), after “applies,” insert “ regulations under section 9B(5) or ”,                  

(b)in subsection (5), before paragraph (a) insert—                  

“(za)regulations under section 9B(5) containing provisions which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of subsection (3)                           of that section,”.                  

Commencement Information

I35S. 56 in force at 1.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 57Licensing Standards Officers: general function in relation to personal licencesS

In section 14(1) of the 2005 Act (general functions of Licensing Standards Officers), after paragraph (b) insert—

“(ba)providing information to Licensing Boards about any conduct of holders of, or persons applying for, personal licences in the                           area, which is inconsistent with the licensing objectives,”.                  

#### 58Powers of Licensing Standards OfficersS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)After section 84A insert—                  

##### “84BPower of Licensing Standards Officers to report conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives

(1)If a Licensing Standards Officer considers that any personal licence holder who is or was working in licensed premises in                           the Officer's area has acted in a manner which is inconsistent with any of the licensing objectives, the Officer may report                           the matter to the relevant Licensing Board.                  

(2)Where a Licensing Board receives a report from a Licensing Standards Officer under subsection (1), the Board may hold a hearing.                  

(3)Subsections (6), (6A), (7), (7A) and (8) of section 84 and subsection (1)(b) of section 85 apply in relation to a hearing                           under subsection (2) of this section as they apply in relation to a hearing under subsection (3)(a) or (5) of section 84.                  

(4)In subsection (1), “relevant Licensing Board” has the meaning given in section 83(11).”.                  

#### 59Interested partiesS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 40A (connected persons and interested parties: licence holder's duty to notify changes)—                  

(a)in subsection (1)—                  

(i)the word “or” immediately following paragraph (a) is repealed,                  

(ii)paragraph (b) is repealed,                  

(b)in subsection (2), the words “or an interested party” are repealed,                  

(c)the section title becomes “ **Connected persons: licence holder's duty to notify changes** ”.                  

(3)The italic cross heading preceding section 40A becomes “ Connected persons ”.                  

(4)In section 48(1)(c) (notification of change of name or address)—                  

(a)the word “or” immediately following sub-paragraph (i) is repealed,                  

(b)sub-paragraph (ii) is repealed.                  

(5)In section 147(5) (interpretation), in the opening words, the words “nor the premises manager” are repealed.                  

#### 60Personal licences: grant, duration and renewalS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 74 (determination of personal licence application), in subsection (3)(c), after “revoked” insert “ under any provision of this Act other than section 87(3) ”.                  

(3)In section 77 (period of effect of personal licence), in subsection (8), for “3” substitute “ 9 ”.                  

(4)In section 78 (renewal of personal licence)––                  

(a)in subsection (2)—                  

(i)for “2” substitute “ 9 ”,                  

(ii)for “3” substitute “ 12 ”,                  

(b)in subsection (5), after “74” insert “ (other than subsection (3)(ba)) ”.                  

(5)In section 84A (power of chief constable to report conduct inconsistent with the licensing objectives), in subsection (3),                        for “(8)(a)” substitute “ (8) ”.                  

Prospective

#### 61Processing and deemed grant of applicationsS

(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.                     

(2)After section 134 insert—                     

##### “134ZADuty to acknowledge applications

(1)This section applies where a Licensing Board receive a relevant application.                     

(2)In a case where the Licensing Board are satisfied that the application meets the prescribed requirements they must, unless                              subsection (3) applies, give an acknowledgement to the applicant—                     

(a)confirming that they are satisfied that the application meets the prescribed requirements,                     

(b)listing any documents received in support of the application and the date or dates on which the documents were received by                              them, and                     

(c)informing the applicant about the period for determining the application under section 134ZB.                     

(3)This subsection applies where the Licensing Board consider it appropriate to determine the application on its merits without                              first giving an acknowledgement to the applicant.                     

(4)In a case where the Licensing Board are not satisfied that the application meets the prescribed requirements, they must give                              a notice to the applicant––                     

(a)indicating that they are treating the application as incomplete and not having been made, and                     

(b)stating their reasons for treating the application in that way.                     

(5)Subsection (4) does not prevent an applicant from submitting further information in support of the application if that is                              otherwise competent.                     

(6)A Licensing Board must give an acknowledgement under subsection (2) or give a notice under subsection (4) as soon as is practicable.                     

(7)For the purposes of this section, “prescribed requirements”, in relation to a relevant application, means the requirements (as to form, content, etc.) which are imposed by or under                              this Act or any other enactment in respect of the type of relevant application in question.                     

(8)In this section, a “relevant application” is—                     

(a)a premises licence application,                     

(b)a premises licence variation application,                     

(c)an application under section 33(1) to transfer a premises licence,                     

(d)an application under section 35(1) for variation of a premises licence on transfer,                     

(e)a provisional premises licence application,                     

(f)an application under section 46 for confirmation of a provisional premises licence,                     

(g)an application under section 47(2) for a temporary premises licence,                     

(h)an occasional licence application,                     

(i)an extended hours application,                     

(j)a personal licence application,                     

(k)a personal licence renewal application.                     

##### 134ZBPeriod for determination of applications

(1)A Licensing Board must determine every relevant application which meets the prescribed requirements (including an application                              mentioned in subsection (2)) before the end of the period of 9 months beginning with (the later of)—                     

(a)the date on which the Licensing Board received the application, or                     

(b)where the application did not initially meet the prescribed requirements, the date on which the application met the prescribed                              requirements.                     

(2)Where a Licensing Board consider it appropriate to determine a relevant application without first giving an acknowledgement                              under section 134ZA(2), they must determine the application as soon as is practicable.                     

(3)A sheriff of the appropriate sheriffdom may, on an application by a Licensing Board in relation to a relevant application,                              extend the period for determining the application under subsection (1).                     

(4)The sheriff may extend the period only if—                     

(a)it appears to the sheriff that there is a good reason to do so, and                     

(b)no previous extension has been granted in relation to the relevant application.                     

(5)The applicant in relation to a relevant application is entitled to be a party to proceedings on an application to a sheriff                              under subsection (3).                     

(6)In this section—                     
            -  “prescribed requirements” has the same meaning as in section 134ZA,                            
            -  “relevant application” has the same meaning as in section 134ZA.                            

##### 134ZCDeemed grant of applications

(1)Subsection (2) applies where a Licensing Board have failed to determine a relevant application before the expiry of the determination                              period.                     

(2)Where this subsection applies—                     

(a)the application is deemed to have been granted on the date on which the determination period expired, and                     

(b)the deemed grant of the application has the same effect, for the purposes of this Act, as if the application had been granted                              by the Licensing Board.                     

(3)A Licensing Board may not impose any conditions (other than those which they must impose under this Act) in respect of an                              application which is deemed to have been granted under subsection (2).                     

(4)Subsection (5) applies in relation to an application—                     

(a)that is deemed to have been granted under subsection (2), and                     

(b)in respect of which the Licensing Board must, on granting such an application, determine the period during which the thing                              applied for is to have effect.                     

(5)The thing applied for is to have effect for the duration of the period stated in the application (subject to any limits imposed                              by this Act).                     

(6)In this section—                     
            -  “determination period” means, in relation to a relevant application, the period for determining the application under section 134ZB(1) including                                 (if applicable) any extension to that period granted under subsection (3) of that section,                            
            -  “prescribed requirements” has the same meaning as in section 134ZA,                            
            -  “relevant application” has the same meaning as in section 134ZA.”.                            

#### 62Form etc. of communications under the 2005 ActS

(1)Section 134 of the 2005 Act (form etc. of applications, proposals and notices) is amended as follows.                  

(2)In each of the following provisions, for “or notice” substitute “ , notice or other communication ”, namely—                  

(a)subsection (1)(a) and (d), and                  

(b)subsection (2).                  

(3)The section title becomes “ **Form etc. of applications, proposals, notices and other communications** ”.                  

## **PART 3**SCIVIC LICENSING

### Taxis and private hire carsS

#### 63Refusal to grant private hire car licences on grounds of overprovisionS

In section 10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (“the 1982 Act”) (taxi and private hire car licences), after subsection (3) insert—                  

“(3A)Without prejudice to paragraph 5 of Schedule 1, the grant of a private hire car licence may be refused by a licensing authority                           if, but only if, they are satisfied that there is (or, as a result of granting the licence, would be) overprovision of private                           hire car services in the locality (or localities) in their area in which the private hire car is to operate.                  

(3B)It is for the licensing authority to determine the localities within their area for the purposes of subsection (3A) and in                           doing so the authority may determine that the whole of their area is a locality.                  

(3C)In satisfying themselves as to whether there is or would be overprovision for the purposes of subsection (3A) in any locality,                           the licensing authority must have regard to—                  

(a)the number of private hire cars operating in the locality, and                  

(b)the demand for private hire car services in the locality.”.                  

#### 64Testing of private hire car driversS

In section 13 of the 1982 Act (taxi and private hire car driving licences), in subsection (5)—

(a)after “licence” where first occurring insert “ or a private hire car driver's licence ”,                  

(b)after “taxi” where second occurring insert “ or, as the case may be, private hire car ”.                  

#### 65Exemptions from requirements of sections 10 to 21 of 1982 ActS

(1)Section 22 of the 1982 Act (saving for certain vehicles etc.) is amended as follows.                  

(2)The existing provision becomes subsection (1).                  

(3)Paragraph (c) of that subsection is repealed.                  

(4)After that subsection, insert—                  

“(2)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations specify further circumstances in which sections 10 to 21 (with the exception of                           subsection (7) of section 21) are not to apply.                  

(3)Regulations under subsection (2)—                  

(a)may make transitional, transitory and saving provision,                  

(b)are subject to the negative procedure.”.                  

(5)The title to section 22 becomes “ **Exemptions** ”.                  

Commencement Information

I36S. 65(1)(2)(4)(5) in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

### Metal dealersS

#### 66Penalties for failure to have appropriate licence or comply with conditionsS

In section 7 of the 1982 Act (offences etc.)—

(a)in subsection (1)(a), after “is” insert “ a metal dealer's licence, an itinerant metal dealer's licence or ”,                  

(b)in subsection (2)—                  

(i)the word “and” immediately following paragraph (aa) is repealed,                  

(ii)after paragraph (aa) insert—                  

“(ab)in a case where the licence is a metal dealer's licence or an itinerant metal dealer's licence, to such fine or imprisonment                           as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) (or to both), and”.                  

#### 67Removal of exemption warrants for certain metal dealersS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 28 (metal dealers: licensing and regulation)—                  

(a)in subsection (1), for the words “Subject to subsection (2) below, a” substitute “ A ”,                  

(b)subsections (2) and (3) are repealed.                  

(3)Section 29 (metal dealers' exemption warrants) is repealed.                  

#### 68Abolition of requirement to retain metal for 48 hoursS

Section 31 of the 1982 Act (retention of metal) is repealed.

#### 69Acceptable forms of payment for metalS

After section 33 of the 1982 Act insert—

##### “33AAcceptable forms of payment for metal

(1)A metal dealer or an itinerant metal dealer may pay for metal only by a method of payment specified in subsection (2).                  

(2)The methods of payment are—                  

(a)by means of a cheque which under section 81A of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882 is not transferable, or                  

(b)by electronic transfer of funds to a bank or building society account in the name of the payee.                  

(3)If a metal dealer or an itinerant metal dealer pays for metal otherwise than in accordance with subsection (1), the dealer                           and each of the persons listed in subsection (4) (if any) commit an offence.                  

(4)The persons are—                  

(a)in a case of payment being made by a metal dealer at a place of business of the dealer, the person with day to day management                           of the place,                  

(b)in any case, any person who, acting on behalf of the metal dealer or the itinerant metal dealer, makes the payment.                  

(5)It is a defence for a metal dealer, an itinerant metal dealer or a person described in subsection (4)(a) who is charged with                           an offence under this section to prove that the dealer or, as the case may be, person—                  

(a)made arrangements to ensure that the payment was to be made only in accordance with subsection (1), and                  

(b)took all reasonable steps to ensure that those arrangements were complied with.                  

(6)A person who commits an offence under this section is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the                           standard scale.                  

(7)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—                  

(a)amend subsection (2) so as to add, amend or remove methods of payment, and                  

(b)make such consequential modification of section 33B or 33C(3) as they consider appropriate.                  

(8)Regulations under subsection (7) are subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

(9)In this section, “place of business” means a place of business operated by a metal dealer in the ordinary course of that dealer's business as a metal dealer.                  

##### 33BAcceptable forms of payment: meaning of “bank or building society account”

(1)In section 33A(2)(b), “bank or building society account” means an account held with a bank or a building society.                  

(2)For the purposes of subsections (1) and (4)—                  

(a)“bank” means an authorised deposit-taker that has its head office or a branch in the United Kingdom, and                  

(b)“building society” has the same meaning as in the Building Societies Act 1986.                  

(3)In subsection (2)(a), “authorised deposit-taker” means—                  

(a)a person who has permission to accept deposits under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (but see subsection                           (4) for exclusions),                  

(b)an EEA firm of the kind mention in paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 3 to that Act that has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule                           (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12(1) of that Schedule).                  

(4)The reference in subsection (3)(a) to a person who has permission to accept deposits under Part 4A of the Financial Services                           and Markets Act 2000 does not include—                  

(a)a building society,                  

(b)a society registered as a credit union under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 or the Credit Unions                           (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 (S.I. 1985/1205 (N.I. 12)),                  

(c)a friendly society within the meaning given by section 116 of the Friendly Societies Act 1992, or                  

(d)an insurance company within the meaning of section 275 of the Finance Act 2004.”.                  

#### 70Metal dealers and itinerant metal dealers: recordsS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)Sections 30 (keeping of records) and 33 (receipts and invoices: itinerant metal dealers) are repealed.                  

(3)After section 33B (as inserted by section 69 of this Act), insert—                  

##### “33CRequirement to keep records

(1)This section applies where a metal dealer or an itinerant metal dealer (“the dealer”), in the course of the dealer's business—                  

(a)acquires any metal (whether or not for value), or                  

(b)processes or disposes of any metal (by any means).                  

(2)In respect of any metal acquired, the dealer must record the following information—                  

(a)the description and weight of the metal,                  

(b)the date and time of the acquisition of the metal,                  

(c)if the metal is acquired from another person—                  

(i)the name and address of the person,                  

(ii)the means by which the person's name and address was verified,                  

(d)the price, if any, payable in respect of the acquisition of the metal, if that price has been ascertained at the time when                           the entry in the record relating to that metal is to be made,                  

(e)the method of payment of the price (if applicable),                  

(f)where no price is payable for the metal, the value of the metal at the time when the entry is to be made as estimated by the                           dealer,                  

(g)in the case of metal delivered to the dealer by means of a vehicle, the registration mark (within the meaning of section 23                           of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994) borne by the vehicle.                  

(3)Where the dealer has paid for metal, the dealer must keep a copy of—                  

(a)the cheque, or                  

(b)the document evidencing the electronic transfer of funds.                  

(4)In respect of any metal processed or disposed of, the dealer must record the following information—                  

(a)the description and weight of the metal immediately before its processing or disposal,                  

(b)in the case of metal which is processed, the process applied,                  

(c)in the case of metal disposed of by sale or exchange—                  

(i)the consideration for which it is sold or exchanged,                  

(ii)the name and address of the person to whom the metal is sold or with whom it is exchanged, and                  

(iii)the means by which the person's name and address was verified,                  

(d)in the case of metal disposed of otherwise than by sale or exchange, its value immediately before its disposal as estimated                           by the dealer.                  

(5)The dealer must—                  

(a)keep separate records in relation to—                  

(i)metal acquired, and                  

(ii)metal processed or disposed of,                  

(b)record the information immediately after the metal is acquired, processed or disposed of,                  

(c)keep a copy of any document produced by a person to verify that person's name or address, and                  

(d)retain information recorded or documents kept under this section for a period of not less than 3 years beginning with the                           date on which the information was recorded or document obtained.                  

(6)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations––                  

(a)specify the means by which a person's name and address may be verified for the purposes of this section,                  

(b)require further information to be recorded about any metal acquired, processed or disposed of by metal dealers or itinerant                           metal dealers.                  

(7)Regulations under subsection (6)—                  

(a)may make different provision for different purposes, and                  

(b)are subject to the negative procedure.                  

##### 33DForm of records

(1)A metal dealer or an itinerant metal dealer (“a dealer”) must record the required information—                  

(a)in books with serially numbered pages, or                  

(b)by means of a device for storing and processing information.                  

(2)Where a dealer records the required information in books, the dealer must use separate books for recording the required information                           about—                  

(a)metal acquired, and                  

(b)metal processed or disposed of.                  

(3)Where a dealer uses a device for storing and processing information, the dealer must, by means of the device or otherwise,                           keep details of all modifications made in the records kept by the device.                  

(4)Where a dealer is required to keep a copy of a document under section 33C, it is sufficient for the dealer—                  

(a)to keep an electronic copy of the document, and                  

(b)in relation to a document verifying a person's name or address, keep only one copy of the document.                  

(5)In this section, “required information” means the information about metal acquired, processed or disposed of that a dealer is required to record under or by virtue                           of section 33C(2), (4) or (6).                  

##### 33EMetal dealer to keep records for each place of business

(1)A metal dealer must keep separate records of the required information in relation to—                  

(a)each place of business operated by the dealer, and                  

(b)any metal acquired, processed or disposed of otherwise than at such a place of business.                  

(2)Where a metal dealer records the required information in books, the dealer must not, at any time at a place of business, use                           more than—                  

(a)one book for recording the required information about metal acquired, and                  

(b)one book for recording the required information about metal processed or disposed of.                  

(3)In this section—                  
          -  “place of business” means a place of business operated by a metal dealer in the ordinary course of that dealer's business as a metal dealer,                         
          -  “required information” means the information about metal acquired, processed or disposed of that a dealer is required to record under or by virtue                              of section 33C(2), (4) or (6).”.                         

(4)In section 34 (offences relating to metal dealing)—                  

(a)after subsection (2) insert—                  

“(2A)Any metal dealer or itinerant metal dealer who fails to comply with a requirement of section 33C, 33D or 33E commits an offence                           and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.”,                  

(b)in subsection (3), for the words from “furnishes” to “keep” substitute “ produces any information or document which the dealer is required to record or keep under section 33C which is false or                           misleading in a material particular ”.                  

Commencement Information

I37S. 70(1)(3) in force at 1.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 71Register of dealers in metalS

After section 35 of the 1982 Act, insert—

##### “35ARegister of metal dealers and itinerant metal dealers

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for and about the establishment, keeping and maintaining of a register                           of metal dealers and itinerant metal dealers.                  

(2)Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular, make provision—                  

(a)about who is to keep and maintain the register,                  

(b)requiring the provision of information to the person who keeps the register,                  

(c)specifying the information to be included in the register in relation to each person who holds a licence as a metal dealer                           or itinerant metal dealer,                  

(d)about the form and publication of the register,                  

(e)for the charging of fees in such circumstances as may be specified in the regulations.                  

(3)Regulations under subsection (1) may—                  

(a)make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision,                  

(b)modify this or any other enactment.                  

(4)Regulations under subsection (1) which contain provision which adds to, replaces, or omits any part of an Act are subject                           to the affirmative procedure.                  

(5)Otherwise, regulations under subsection (1) are subject to the negative procedure.”.                  

#### 72Interpretation of provisions relating to metal dealers etc.S

(1)Section 37 of the 1982 Act (interpretation of sections 28 to 36) is amended as follows.                  

(2)In subsection (1), for the definition of “itinerant metal dealer” substitute—                  

““itinerant metal dealer” means a person who—                  

(a)carries on a business which consists wholly or substantially of buying or selling for scrap—                  

(i)metal articles that are old, broken, worn out or defaced, or                  

(ii)partly manufactured articles that are made wholly or partly from metal,                  

(b)collects articles of the kind described in paragraph (a)(i) and (ii) by means of visits from place to place, and                  

(c)disposes of such articles without causing them to be kept in a metal store or other premises (including by disposing or giving                           custody of the articles to a person who keeps a metal store),”.                  

(3)For subsection (2) substitute—                  

“(2)For the purposes of sections 28 to 36, a person carries on business as a metal dealer if the person—                  

(a)carries on a business which consists wholly or substantially of buying or selling for scrap—                  

(i)metal articles that are old, broken, worn out or defaced, or                  

(ii)partly manufactured articles that are made wholly or partly from metal, or                  

(b)carries on business as a motor salvage operator (so far as that does not fall within paragraph (a)).                  

(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), a person carries on business as a motor salvage operator if the person carries on a                           business which consists wholly or substantially of—                  

(a)recovering salvageable parts from motor vehicles for re-use or sale and selling or disposing of the rest of the vehicle for                           scrap,                  

(b)buying significantly damaged motor vehicles and subsequently repairing and reselling them, or                  

(c)buying or selling motor vehicles which are to be the subject (whether immediately or upon a subsequent resale) of any of the                           activities mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b).”.                  

Commencement Information

I38S. 72 in force at 1.9.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2016/85, art. 2, **Sch.** (with arts. 4, 6)

#### 73Exemptions from requirements of sections 28 to 37 of 1982 ActS

After section 37 of the 1982 Act insert—

##### “37AExemptions

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision specifying circumstances in which the provisions of sections 28 to                           37 are not to apply.                  

(2)Regulations under subsection (1)—                  

(a)may make transitional, transitory or saving provision,                  

(b)are subject to the negative procedure.”.                  

Commencement Information

I39S. 73 in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

### Public entertainment venuesS

#### 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  

#### 75Restriction of exemption from requirement for public entertainment licenceS

### Sexual entertainment venuesS

#### 76Licensing of sexual entertainment venuesS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 41(2) (definition of place of public entertainment), after paragraph (aa) insert—                  

“(ab)a sexual entertainment venue (as defined in section 45A) in relation to which Schedule 2 (as modified for the purposes of                           section 45B) has effect, while being used as such;”.                  

(3)After section 45 insert—                  

##### “45ALicensing of sexual entertainment venues: interpretation

(1)This section applies for the purposes of the interpretation of section 45B and Schedule 2 (as modified for the purposes of                           section 45B).                  

(2)“Sexual entertainment venue” means any premises at which sexual entertainment is provided before a live audience for (or with a view to) the financial                           gain of the organiser.                  

(3)For the purposes of that definition—                  
          -  “audience” includes an audience of one,                         
          -  “financial gain” includes financial gain arising directly or indirectly from the provision of the sexual entertainment,                         
          -  “organiser”, in relation to the provision of sexual entertainment in premises, means—                          (a)
the person (“A”) who is responsible for—                                 
(i)
the management of the premises, or                                          
(ii)
the organisation or management of the sexual entertainment, or                                          
(b)
where A exercises that responsibility on behalf of another person (whether by virtue of a contract of employment or otherwise),                                       that other person,                                 
 
          -  “premises” includes any vehicle, vessel or stall but does not include any private dwelling to which the public is not admitted,                         
          -  “sexual entertainment” means—                          (a)
any live performance, or                                 
(b)
any live display of nudity,                                 
  which is of such a nature that, ignoring financial gain, it must reasonably be assumed to be provided solely or principally                              for the purpose of sexually stimulating any member of the audience (whether by verbal or other means).                         

(4)For the purposes of the definition of “sexual entertainment”, “display of nudity” means—                  

(a)in the case of a woman, the showing of (to any extent and by any means) her nipples, pubic area, genitals or anus,                  

(b)in the case of a man, the showing of (to any extent and by any means) his pubic area, genitals or anus.                  

(5)Sexual entertainment is provided if (and only if) it is provided (or allowed to be provided) by or on behalf of the organiser.                  

(6)References in Schedule 2 (as modified for the purposes of section 45B) to the use of any premises by a person as a sexual                           entertainment venue are to be read as references to their use by the organiser.                  

(7)The following are not sexual entertainment venues—                  

(a)a sex shop (within the meaning of paragraph 2(1) of Schedule 2),                  

(b)such other premises as the Scottish Ministers may by order specify.                  

(8)An order under subsection (7)(b) may make different provision for different purposes.                  

(9)Premises at which sexual entertainment is provided as mentioned in subsection (2) on a particular occasion (“the current occasion”)                           are not to be treated as a sexual entertainment venue if sexual entertainment has not been provided on more than 3 previous                           occasions which fall wholly or partly within the period of 12 months ending with the start of the current occasion.                  

(10)For the purposes of subsection (9)—                  

(a)each continuous period during which sexual entertainment is provided on the premises is to be treated as a separate occasion,                           and                  

(b)where the period during which sexual entertainment is provided on the premises exceeds 24 hours, each period of 24 hours (and                           any part of a period of 24 hours) is to be treated as a separate occasion.                  

(11)The Scottish Ministers may by order provide for—                  

(a)descriptions of performances, or                  

(b)descriptions of displays of nudity,                  

which are not to be treated as sexual entertainment for the purposes of this section.                  

(12)An order under subsection (7)(b) or (11) is subject to the negative procedure.                  

##### 45BLicensing of sexual entertainment venues

(1)A local authority may resolve that Schedule 2 (as modified for the purposes of this section) is to have effect in their area                           in relation to sexual entertainment venues.                  

(2)If a local authority passes a resolution under subsection (1), Schedule 2 (as so modified) has effect in their area from the                           day specified in the resolution.                  

(3)The day mentioned in subsection (2) must not be before the expiry of the period of one year beginning with the day on which                           the resolution is passed.                  

(4)A local authority must, not later than 28 days before the day mentioned in subsection (2), publish notice that they have passed                           a resolution under this section.                  

(5)The notice must—                  

(a)state the general effect of Schedule 2 (as modified for the purposes of this section), and                  

(b)be published electronically or in a newspaper circulating in the local authority's area.                  

(6)For the purposes of this section, paragraphs 1 and 3 to 25 of Schedule 2 apply with the following modifications—                  

(a)references to a sex shop are to be read as references to a sexual entertainment venue,                  

(b)references to the use by a person of premises, vehicles, vessels or stalls as a sexual entertainment venue are to be read                           as references to their use by the organiser,                  

(c)in paragraph 1—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (b)—                  

(A)the word “or” immediately following paragraph (i) is omitted,                  

(B)paragraph (ii) is omitted, and                  

(ii)sub-paragraph (c) is omitted,                  

(d)in paragraph 7—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (2), at the beginning insert “ Subject to sub-paragraph (3A), ”, and                  

(ii)after sub-paragraph (3) insert—                  

“(3A)If a local authority consider it appropriate to do so in relation to an application, the local authority may dispense with                           the requirement to publish an advertisement under sub-paragraph (2) and may instead publish notice of the application electronically.                  

(3B)Publication under sub-paragraph (3A) must be not later than 7 days after the date of the application.                  

(3C)The applicant must also, not later than 7 days after the date of the application—                  

(a)send a copy of the application to each person or body listed in the local authority's determination under sub-paragraph (3D),                           and                  

(b)submit to the local authority a certificate stating that the applicant has complied with this sub-paragraph.                  

(3D)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3C), a local authority must—                  

(a)from time to time determine the persons or bodies who must receive a copy of the application, and                  

(b)publicise the determination in such manner as they consider appropriate.”,                  

(e)in paragraph 9—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (5)(c)—                  

(A)after the word “in” insert “ the local authority's area or ”,                  

(B)after the word “for” insert “ their area or ”,                  

(ii)after sub-paragraph (5) insert—                  

“(5A)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (5)(c), a local authority must—                  

(a)from time to time determine the appropriate number of sexual entertainment venues for their area and for each relevant locality,                           and                  

(b)publicise the determination in such manner as they consider appropriate.”,                  

(iii)after sub-paragraph (6) insert—                  

“(6A)A local authority may refuse an application for the grant or renewal of a licence despite the fact that a premises licence                           under Part 3 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 is in effect in relation to the premises, vehicle, vessel or stall to which                           the application relates.”,                  

(f)in paragraph 12(2)(b), for “shorter” substitute “ other ”,                  

(g)in paragraph 19(1)(e), for the words from “without” to the end of paragraph (e) substitute “knowingly permits any person under                           the age of 18 to enter the sexual entertainment venue—                  

(i)at a time when sexual entertainment is being provided, or                  

(ii)without reasonable excuse, at any other time,”, and                  

(h)in paragraph 25, in each of sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (2), for “45” substitute “ 45B ”.                  

(7)In carrying out functions conferred by virtue of this section, a local authority must have regard to any guidance issued by                           the Scottish Ministers.                  

##### 45CStatements of policy in relation to sexual entertainment venues

(1)This section applies where a local authority passes a resolution under section 45B(1).                  

(2)The local authority must prepare a statement of their policy with respect to the exercise of their functions in relation to                           the licensing of sexual entertainment venues (a “SEV policy statement”).                  

(3)In preparing a SEV policy statement, a local authority must—                  

(a)consider the impact of the licensing of sexual entertainment venues in their area, having regard, in particular, to how it                           will affect the objectives of—                  

(i)preventing public nuisance, crime and disorder,                  

(ii)securing public safety,                  

(iii)protecting children and young people from harm,                  

(iv)reducing violence against women, and                  

(b)consult such persons or bodies as they consider appropriate.                  

(4)The local authority must publish the SEV policy statement at the same time and in the same manner as they publish the notice                           of the resolution under section 45B(4).                  

(5)The local authority must—                  

(a)from time to time review the SEV policy statement and make such revisions as they consider appropriate (if any), and                  

(b)publish the revised statement in such manner as they consider appropriate.                  

(6)Subsection (3) applies to a review of a SEV policy statement as it applies to preparing such a statement.                  

(7)In exercising their functions in relation to the licensing of sexual entertainment venues, a local authority must have regard                           to their SEV policy statement or revised statement.                  

(8)In this section—                  
          -  “children” means persons under the age of 16,                         
          -  “young people” means persons aged 16 or 17.”.                         

(4)The title of Part 3 becomes “ **Control of sex shops and sexual entertainment venues** ”.                  

Commencement Information

I40S. 76(1)(3) in force at 1.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

### Miscellaneous and generalS

#### 77Deemed grant of applicationsS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 3 (discharge of functions of licensing authorities)—                  

(a)in subsection (1), for the words from “shall” to the end substitute “must—                   

(a)consider each relevant application made to them within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the application                           was made, and                  

(b)subject to the following provisions of this section, reach a final decision on the application within the period of 6 months                           beginning with the end of the 3 month period referred to in paragraph (a).”,                  

(b)in subsection (4)—                  

(i)the words “applied for” are repealed,                  

(ii)for “or, as the case may be, renewed” substitute “ , renewed or, as the case may be, varied ”,                  

(iii)the words from “and” where first occurring to the end are repealed,                  

(c)after subsection (4) insert—                  

“(4A)A licence deemed to have been granted or renewed under subsection (4) is—                  

(a)in the case of a temporary licence, to remain in force for the duration of the period sought in the application (up to a maximum                           period of 6 weeks), or                  

(b)in any other case, to remain in force for the period of one year.                  

(4B)A variation of the terms of a licence deemed to have been granted under subsection (4) is to have effect for the remaining                           period of the licence.                  

(4C)Subsections (4) and (4B) do not affect—                  

(a)the powers of revocation under section 7(6)(a),                  

(b)paragraph 8(5) of Schedule 1 (which relates to renewals of existing licences),                  

(c)the powers of variation under paragraph 10 of that Schedule, or                  

(d)the powers of suspension and revocation under paragraphs 11 and 12 of that Schedule.”,                  

(d)for subsection (5) substitute—                  

“(5A)The deemed grant, renewal or variation of the terms of a licence under subsection (4) is, for the purposes of Schedule 1,                           to be treated as a decision of the licensing authority to grant, renew or vary the terms of a licence.                  

(5B)For the purposes of this section, a “relevant application” is an application under paragraph 1, 7 or 10 of Schedule 1.”.                  

(3)After section 45C (as inserted by section 76 of this Act) insert—                  

##### “45DDeemed grant of applications

(1)For the purpose of the discharge of their functions under this Part, every local authority must—                  

(a)consider each relevant application made to them within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the application                           was made, and                  

(b)subject to the following provisions of this section, reach a final decision on the application within the period of 6 months                           beginning with the end of the 3 month period referred to in paragraph (a).                  

(2)On an application by the local authority within the 6 month period referred to in subsection (1)(b), the sheriff may, if it                           appears that there is a good reason to do so, extend that period as the sheriff thinks fit.                  

(3)The applicant is entitled to be a party to proceedings on an application under subsection (2).                  

(4)Where the local authority have failed to reach a final decision on the application before the expiry of—                  

(a)the 6 month period referred to in subsection (1)(b), or                  

(b)such further period as the sheriff may have specified on application under subsection (2),                  

the licence is deemed to have been granted, renewed or, as the case may be, varied on the date of such expiry.                  

(5)A licence deemed to have been granted or renewed under subsection (4) is to remain in force for the period of one year.                  

(6)A deemed variation of the terms of a licence deemed under subsection (4) is to have effect for the remaining period of the                           licence.                  

(7)Subsections (4) and (6) do not affect—                  

(a)the powers of revocation under paragraph 13 of Schedule 2, and                  

(b)the powers of variation under paragraph 15 of that Schedule.                  

(8)The deemed grant, renewal or variation of the terms of a licence under subsection (4) has the same effect, for the purposes                           of Schedule 2, as a decision of the licensing authority to grant, renew or vary the terms of a licence.                  

(9)For the purposes of this section, a “relevant application” is an application under paragraph 6 or 15 of Schedule 2.”.                  

(4)In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system), in paragraph 10, after sub-paragraph (5) insert—                  

“(6)Sub-paragraph (5) does not apply to a deemed variation of the terms of a licence under section 3(4).”.                  

(5)In Schedule 2 (control of sex shops and sexual entertainment venues), in paragraph 15, after sub-paragraph (4) insert—                  

“(4A)Sub-paragraph (4) does not apply to a deemed variation of the terms of a licence under section 45D(4).”.                  

#### 78Revocation of Part 2 licencesS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In section 5 (rights of entry and inspection), in subsection (2)(a)(ii), after “suspended” insert “ or revoked ”.                  

(3)In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system)—                  

(a)the italic heading preceding paragraph 10 becomes “ *Variation, suspension and revocation of licences* ”,                  

(b)in paragraph 11—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (1), after “suspend” insert “ or revoke ”,                  

(ii)in sub-paragraph (2), after “suspension” insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(iii)in sub-paragraph (4), after “suspend” insert “ or revoke ”,                  

(iv)in sub-paragraph (6), after “order” insert “ to suspend a licence ”,                  

(v)in sub-paragraph (7), after “suspend” insert “ or revoke ”,                  

(vi)in sub-paragraph (8), after “suspension” insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(vii)in sub-paragraph (9)—                  

(A)after “suspension” where first occurring insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(B)after each subsequent occurrence of “suspension” insert “ or, as the case may be, revocation ”,                  

(viii)in sub-paragraph (10), after “suspension” where first occurring insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(c)in paragraph 12(5)(b), after “suspend” insert “ or revoke ”,                  

(d)in paragraph 13—                  

(i)in sub-paragraph (2)(a), after “suspend” insert “ , revoke ”,                  

(ii)in sub-paragraph (3), after “suspending” insert “ or revoking ”,                  

(iii)in sub-paragraph (4), after “suspension” where first occurring insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(e)in paragraph 14(2)(b), after “terms,” insert “ revocation ”,                  

(f)in paragraph 17, in sub-paragraph (1)(d), before paragraph (i) insert—                  

“(ai)to revoke a licence or to refuse to do so,”,                  

(g)in paragraph 18(10)—                  

(i)after “suspension” where first occurring insert “ or revocation ”,                  

(ii)the words “above that the suspension be immediate” are repealed.                  

#### 79Procedure for hearingsS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system), after paragraph 18 insert—                  
*“Power to make provision about hearings*
18A(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision as to the procedure to be followed at, or in connection with, any                           hearing to be held by a licensing authority under this Schedule.                  

(2)Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, make provision—                  

(a)for notice of the hearing to be given to such persons as may be prescribed in the regulations,                  

(b)about the rules of evidence which are to apply for the purposes of the hearing,                  

(c)about the representation of any party at the hearing,                  

(d)as to the times by which any step in the procedure must be taken, and                  

(e)as to liability for expenses.                  

(3)Regulations under this paragraph may make different provision for different purposes including, in particular, different types                           of licence.                  

(4)Regulations under this paragraph are subject to the negative procedure.”.                  

(3)In Schedule 2 (control of sex shops and sexual entertainment venues), after paragraph 24 insert—                  
*“Power to make provision about hearings*
24A(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision as to the procedure to be followed at, or in connection with, any                           hearing to be held by a local authority under this Schedule.                  

(2)Regulations under this paragraph may, in particular, make provision—                  

(a)for notice of the hearing to be given to such persons as may be prescribed in the regulations,                  

(b)about the rules of evidence which are to apply for the purposes of the hearing,                  

(c)about the representation of any party at the hearing,                  

(d)as to the times by which any step in the procedure must be taken, and                  

(e)as to liability for expenses.                  

(3)Regulations under this paragraph may make different provision for different purposes, including, in particular, different                           types of licence.                  

(4)Regulations under this paragraph are subject to the negative procedure.”.                  

Commencement Information

I41S. 79 in force at 1.12.2015 by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 80Conditions for Part 3 licencesS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)After section 45D (as inserted by section 77 of this Act) insert—                  

##### “Conditions of licences granted under this PartS

###### 45EMandatory licence conditions

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by order prescribe conditions to which licences granted by local authorities under this Part are                           to be subject.                  

(2)Different conditions may be prescribed under subsection (1)—                  

(a)in respect of different licences or different types of licence,                  

(b)otherwise for different purposes, circumstances or cases.                  

(3)An order under subsection (1) is subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

(4)Subsection (1) does not affect any other power of the Scottish Ministers under this Act or any other enactment to prescribe                           conditions—                  

(a)to which licences granted by local authorities under this Part are to be subject, or                  

(b)to be imposed by local authorities in granting or renewing licences under this Part.                  

(5)The following conditions are referred to in this Part as “mandatory conditions”—                  

(a)conditions prescribed under subsection (1),                  

(b)conditions prescribed under any power referred to in subsection (4), and                  

(c)conditions imposed, or required to be imposed, by any provision of this Part.                  

(6)In this section and section 45F, references to licences granted by local authorities include references to—                  

(a)licences renewed by local authorities, and                  

(b)licences deemed by virtue of section 45D to have been granted or renewed by local authorities.                  

###### 45FStandard licence conditions

(1)A local authority may determine conditions to which licences granted by them under this Part are to be subject.                  

(2)Conditions determined under subsection (1) are referred to in this Part as “standard conditions”.                  

(3)Different conditions may be determined under subsection (1)—                  

(a)in respect of different licences or different types of licence,                  

(b)otherwise for different purposes, circumstances or cases.                  

(4)A local authority must publish, in such manner as they think appropriate, any standard conditions determined by them.                  

(5)Standard conditions have no effect—                  

(a)unless they are published, and                  

(b)so far as they are inconsistent with any mandatory conditions.                  

(6)Subsection (1) is subject to paragraph 9(1A) of Schedule 2.”.                  

(3)In paragraph 9 of Schedule 2 (disposal of applications for licences)—                  

(a)in sub-paragraph (1)—                  

(i)in paragraph (a), the word “unconditionally” is repealed,                  

(ii)paragraph (b) is repealed,                  

(b)after sub-paragraph (1) insert—                  

“(1A)In granting or renewing a licence under sub-paragraph (1)(a), a local authority may (either or both)—                  

(a)disapply or vary any standard conditions,                  

(b)impose conditions in addition to any mandatory or standard conditions to which the licence is subject.”,                  

(c)in sub-paragraph (2)—                  

(i)for “sub-paragraph” where first occurring substitute “ sub-paragraphs (2ZA) and ”,                  

(ii)for “(1)” substitute “ (1A)(b) ”,                  

(d)after sub-paragraph (2) insert—                  

“(2ZA)A variation made under sub-paragraph (1A)(a) or a condition imposed under sub-paragraph (1A)(b) has no effect in so far as                           it is inconsistent with any mandatory condition to which the licence is subject.”,                  

(e)in sub-paragraph (2A), for “(1)” substitute “ (1A)(b) ”.                  

Commencement Information

I42S. 80(1)(2) in force at 1.12.2015 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2015/382, art. 2, **Sch.**

#### 81Conditions for Part 3 licences: displays or advertisingS

In paragraph 9(2) of Schedule 2 to the 1982 Act (examples of conditions which may be imposed in relation to Part 3 licences),                     in paragraph (b), after “on or in” insert “ or otherwise connected with ”.                  

#### 82Civic licensing standards officersS

After Part 3 of the 1982 Act insert—

##### **“PART 3A**SCIVIC LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICERS

###### 45GCivic licensing standards officers

(1)Each local authority must appoint for their area one or more officers (a “civic licensing standards officer”)—                  

(a)to exercise, in relation to the authority's area, the general functions conferred on civic licensing standards officers by                           virtue of section 45H, and                  

(b)to exercise any other functions that may be conferred on such an officer by virtue of this or any other enactment.                  

(2)A civic licensing standards officer appointed by a local authority is taken to be an authorised officer of the authority for                           the purposes of Parts 1 to 3.                  

(3)A person may hold more than one appointment under subsection (1) (so as to be a civic licensing standards officer for more                           than one local authority area).                  

(4)Nothing in this section prevents an officer of a local authority other than a civic licensing standards officer from being                           an authorised officer of the authority for a purpose of Parts 1 to 3.                  

(5)In this Part, a reference to a local authority includes a reference to that authority acting as the licensing authority for                           their area and a reference to an authorised officer of a local authority (however expressed) is to be construed accordingly.                  

###### 45HGeneral functions of a civic licensing standards officer

(1)The general functions of a civic licensing standards officer are—                  

(a)to provide to any interested person information and guidance concerning the operation of Parts 1 to 3 in the officer's area,                  

(b)to supervise the compliance by the holder of a licence granted under Parts 1 to 3 in the officer's area with—                  

(i)the conditions of the licence, and                  

(ii)the other requirements of Parts 1 to 3,                  

(c)to provide mediation services for the purposes of avoiding or resolving disputes or disagreements between—                  

(i)the holder of a licence granted under Parts 1 to 3 in the officer's area, and                  

(ii)any other person,                  

concerning any matter relating to compliance with the conditions of the licence or the other requirements of Parts 1 to 3.                  

(2)The function under subsection (1)(b) includes, in particular, power for a civic licensing standards officer, where the officer                           believes that a condition to which the licence is subject has been or is being breached—                  

(a)to give a notice to the holder of the licence requiring such action to be taken to remedy the breach as may be specified in                           the notice, and                  

(b)to refer the breach to the local authority which granted the licence for consideration at a meeting of the authority.                  

(3)A civic licensing standards officer may only refer a breach of a condition under subsection (2)(b) if—                  

(a)the officer has given notice under subsection (2)(a) and the holder of the licence has failed to comply with it, or                  

(b)the officer considers that it is appropriate for the breach to be referred to the authority without such a notice being given.                  

(4)In this section, a reference to an officer's area is a reference to—                  

(a)the local authority area for which the officer is appointed under section 45G(1), or                  

(b)where the officer is appointed for more than one local authority area, the area for which the officer is exercising a function                           at the relevant time.”.                  

#### 83Electronic communications under the 1982 ActS

(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.                  

(2)In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system)—                  

(a)after paragraph 3(3), insert—                  

“(3A)Where a licensing authority have determined to accept objections and representations by means of an electronic communication                           under paragraph 16A, an objection or representation is made for the purpose of sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph if it is                           sent—                  

(a)to the authority by means of an electronic communication which complies with the determination, and                  

(b)within the time specified in sub-paragraph (1).                  

(3B)Sub-paragraph (3A) is without prejudice to sub-paragraph (3).”,                  

(b)after paragraph 16 insert—                  

##### “16A*“Electronic communications*

(1)A licensing authority may determine to accept—                  

(a)applications for the grant or renewal of a licence under paragraph 1,                  

(b)objections or representations under paragraph 3,                  

(c)notifications of a change to a licence under paragraph 9,                  

by means of an electronic communication.                  

(2)Where a licensing authority make a determination under sub-paragraph (1) they must—                  

(a)specify in the determination—                  

(i)the form of electronic communication by which applications, objections, representations or notifications may be made or given,                  

(ii)the electronic address to be used for making or giving applications, objections, representations or notifications, and                  

(iii)any means of authentication (in addition to an electronic signature) that are acceptable, and                  

(b)publicise the determination as they consider appropriate.                  

(3)In relation to an application, objection, representation or notification made or given by means of an electronic communication,                           any requirement of this Schedule for the application, objection, representation or notification—                  

(a)to be in writing is satisfied if the communication is—                  

(i)in the form specified under sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i), and                  

(ii)sent to the address specified under sub-paragraph (2)(a)(ii),                  

(b)to be signed is satisfied if the communication includes an electronic signature or is authenticated by a means specified under                           sub-paragraph (2)(a)(iii).                  

(4)A licensing authority may determine to—                  

(a)give notices under paragraphs 5, 9, 10, 11 or 12, and                  

(b)give reasons under paragraph 17,                  

by means of an electronic communication.                  

(5)A licensing authority may only give a notice or reasons by means of an electronic communication if—                  

(a)the person to whom the notice or reasons is or are to be given has agreed to receive notices and reasons by means of an electronic                           communication, and                  

(b)the communication is sent to an electronic address, and is in an electronic form, specified for that purpose by the person.                  

(6)In relation to any notice or reasons given by means of an electronic communication, any requirement of this Schedule for the                           notice or reasons to be given in writing is satisfied if the communication is sent in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).                  

(7)When a licensing authority gives a notice or reasons by means of an electronic communication then, unless the contrary is                           proved, it is to be treated as having been received by the person to whom it was sent on the second working day after the                           day on which it was sent.                  

(8)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (7), “working day” means a day which is not—                  

(a)a Saturday or Sunday,                  

(b)Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,                  

(c)a day which is a bank holiday in Scotland under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971,                  

(d)a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning, or                  

(e)a day which is a local or public holiday in the area in which the electronic communication is to be sent.                  

(9)A licensing authority may make different determinations for different purposes including, in particular, for different types                           of licence.                  

(10)In this Schedule—                  
          -  “electronic communication” is to be construed in accordance with section 15(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000,                         
          -  “electronic signature” is to be construed in accordance with section 7(2) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.”.                         

(3)In Schedule 2 (control of sex shops and sexual entertainment venues)—                  

(a)after paragraph 8(4) insert—                  

“(4A)Where a local authority have determined to accept objections and representations by means of an electronic communication under                           paragraph 22A, an objection or representation is made for the purpose of sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph if it is sent—                  

(a)to the authority by means of an electronic communication which complies with the determination, and                  

(b)within the time specified in sub-paragraph (2).                  

(4B)Sub-paragraph (4A) is without prejudice to sub-paragraph (4).”,                  

(b)after paragraph 22 insert—                  

##### “22A*“Electronic communications*

(1)A local authority may determine to accept—                  

(a)applications for the grant or renewal of a licence under this Schedule,                  

(b)objections or representations under paragraph 8,                  

(c)notifications of a change to a licence under paragraph 14,                  

by means of an electronic communication.                  

(2)Where a local authority make a determination under sub-paragraph (1) they must—                  

(a)specify in the determination—                  

(i)the form of electronic communication by which applications, objections, representations or notifications may be made or given,                  

(ii)the electronic address to be used for making or giving applications, objections, representations or notifications, and                  

(iii)any means of authentication (in addition to an electronic signature) that are acceptable, and                  

(b)publicise the determination as they consider appropriate.                  

(3)In relation to an application, objection, representation or notification made or given by means of an electronic communication,                           any requirement of this Schedule for the application, objection, representation or notification—                  

(a)to be in writing is satisfied if the communication is—                  

(i)in the form specified under sub-paragraph (2)(a)(i), and                  

(ii)sent to the address specified under sub-paragraph (2)(a)(ii),                  

(b)to be signed is satisfied if the communication includes an electronic signature or is authenticated by a means specified under                           sub-paragraph (2)(a)(iii).                  

(4)A local authority may determine to—                  

(a)give notices under paragraphs 8, 10, 13, 14 or 15, and                  

(b)give reasons under paragraph 23,                  

by means of an electronic communication.                  

(5)A local authority may only give a notice or reasons by means of an electronic communication if—                  

(a)the person to whom the notice or reasons is or are to be given has agreed to receive notices and reasons by means of an electronic                           communication, and                  

(b)the communication is sent to an electronic address, and is in an electronic form, specified for that purpose by the person.                  

(6)In relation to any notice or reasons given by means of an electronic communication, any requirement of this Schedule for the                           notice or reasons to be given in writing is satisfied if the communication is sent in accordance with sub-paragraph (5).                  

(7)When a licensing authority gives a notice or reasons by means of an electronic communication then, unless the contrary is                           proved, it is to be treated as having been received by the person to whom it was sent on the second working day after the                           day on which it was sent.                  

(8)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (7), “working day” means a day which is not—                  

(a)a Saturday or Sunday,                  

(b)Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,                  

(c)a day which is a bank holiday in Scotland under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971,                  

(d)a day appointed for public thanksgiving or mourning, or                  

(e)a day which is a local or public holiday in the area to which the electronic communication is sent.                  

(9)A local authority may make different determinations for different purposes including, in particular, for different types of                           licence.                  

(10)In this Schedule—                  
          -  “electronic communication” is to be construed in accordance with section 15(1) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000,                         
          -  “electronic signature” is to be construed in accordance with section 7(2) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000.”.                         

## **PART 4**SGENERAL

### 84InterpretationS

(1)In this Act—                  
          -  “the 1982 Act” means the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982,                         
          -  “the 2005 Act” means the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005.                         

(2)See section 40 for the interpretation of words and expressions used in Part 1.                  

### 85RegulationsS

(1)Any power of the Scottish Ministers to make regulations under this Act includes power to make—                  

(a)different provision for different purposes,                  

(b)incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.                  

(2)Regulations under section 2(4), 8(3) or 20(3) are subject to the affirmative procedure.                  

(3)Regulations under section 86(1) containing provisions which add to, replace or omit any part of the text of an Act are subject                        to the affirmative procedure.                  

(4)All other regulations under this Act are subject to the negative procedure.                  

### 86Ancillary provisionS

(1)The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make such incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or                        saving provision as they consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in consequence of, or for giving full effect                        to, any provision of this Act or any provision made under it.                  

(2)Regulations under this section may modify this or any other enactment.                  

### 87. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .                  

### 88CommencementS

(1)Section 60(1) and (2) and this Part, other than section 87, come into force on the day after Royal Assent.                  

(2)The other provisions of this Act (including section 87) come into force on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by order                        appoint.                  

(3)An order under this section may include transitional, transitory or saving provision.                  

### 89Short titleS

The short title of this Act is the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

## SCHEDULE 1SEXEMPTIONS

 (introduced by section 2(3))

### Approved air weapon clubsS

1SIt is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual (“A”) to use or possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon                        certificate if—

(a)A is a member of an approved air weapon club,

(b)the use or possession occurs while A is engaged as such a member—

(i)in target shooting at the club, another approved air weapon club, an event or competition, or

(ii)in connection with such target shooting, and

(c)where A is under the age of 14, A's use and possession of an air weapon is supervised by another club member aged 21 years                        or more.

### Registered firearms dealers and their employeesS

2(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to use, possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon without holding                        an air weapon certificate if—S

(a)the individual is carrying on business as a registered firearms dealer or is the employee of a registered firearms dealer,                        and

(b)the possession occurs in the ordinary course of the business as such a dealer.

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), it is irrelevant whether the use, possession, purchase or acquisition of the air weapon                        occurs at a place—

(a)which is not a place of business of the registered firearms dealer, or

(b)which the dealer has not registered as a place of business under section 33 or 37 of the 1968 Act.

(3)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual (“A”) to—

(a)borrow an air weapon from a registered firearms dealer, and

(b)use and possess the weapon on land occupied by the dealer,

without holding an air weapon certificate, if the conditions in sub-paragraph (4) are complied with.

(4)The conditions are—

(a)A uses and possesses the air weapon under the supervision of the registered firearm dealer or an employee of the dealer (“the supervisor”), and

(b)where A is under the age of 14, the supervisor is aged 21 years or more.

### AuctioneersS

3(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to possess, acquire or purchase an air weapon without holding an                        air weapon certificate if—S

(a)the individual is carrying on business as an auctioneer or is the employee of an auctioneer, and

(b)the possession occurs in the ordinary course of the business as an auctioneer.

(2)It is not an offence under section 24 for an individual (“A”) who is an auctioneer (but not a registered firearms dealer)                        in the course of A's business as such an auctioneer to sell (or expose for sale) by auction an air weapon if A holds a police                        permit granted by the chief constable under section 12.

### Carriers and warehouse keepersS

4SIt is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        if—

(a)the individual is carrying on business as a carrier or warehouse keeper or is the employee of a carrier or warehouse keeper,                        and

(b)the possession occurs in the ordinary course of the business as a carrier or warehouse keeper.

### Artistic performersS

5(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to use or possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        while the individual is taking part in an activity listed in sub-paragraph (2).S

(2)The activities are—

(a)a theatrical performance or a rehearsal of such a performance,

(b)the production of a film for cinema, television or other genuine and prearranged artistic purpose.

### Cadet corpsS

6(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to use or possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        if—S

(a)the individual is a member of an approved cadet corps or the instructor of such a member, and

(b)the use or possession occurs while the individual is engaged in drill or target shooting exercises as such a member or instructor.

(2)In this paragraph “approved cadet corps” means a cadet corps which has been approved by the Secretary of State under section 54(5)(b) of the 1968 Act.

### Bodies corporate etc.S

7(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for a person who is not an individual (“the entity”) to possess, purchase or acquire                        an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate if an officer of the entity holds an air weapon certificate in the                        officer's capacity as such an officer.S

(2)For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1), a reference to an officer of the entity is a reference to—

(a)in relation to a body corporate (other than a limited liability partnership)—

(i)a director, manager, secretary or similar officer of the body,

(ii)where the affairs of the body are managed by its members, a member,

(b)in relation to a limited liability partnership, a member,

(c)in relation to a Scottish partnership, a partner,

(d)in relation to an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership, an individual who is concerned in the management                        or control of the association.

### Holders of police permitsS

8(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual who holds a police permit under section 12 to possess or acquire                        an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate if the permit authorises the possession or acquisition.S

(2)It is not an offence under section 24 for an individual who holds a police permit under section 12 to sell (or expose for                        sale) an air weapon, in the course of the holder's business, if the permit authorises the sale.

### Holders of visitor permitsS

9SIt is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual who holds a visitor permit under section 13 to use, possess, purchase                        or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate if the permit authorises the use, possession, purchase                        or, as the case may be, acquisition.

### Authorised eventsS

10(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to borrow, hire, use or possess an air weapon without holding an                        air weapon certificate while the individual is—S

(a)at an event in respect of which an event permit has been granted by the chief constable under section 17, and

(b)engaging in an event activity.

(2)In this paragraph, “event activity” has the meaning given in section 17(7).

### Supervised use of air weapons on private landS

11(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual (“A”) to—S

(a)borrow an air weapon from the occupier of private land, and

(b)use and possess the weapon on that land,

without holding an air weapon certificate, if the conditions in sub-paragraph (2) are complied with.

(2)The conditions are—

(a)A uses and possesses the air weapon under the supervision of the occupier of the land or an employee or agent of the occupier                        (“the supervisor”),

(b)the supervisor holds an air weapon certificate,

(c)A complies with any conditions attached to the supervisor's certificate so far as relevant to the use and possession of the                        air weapon by A, and

(d)where A is under the age of 14, the supervisor is aged 21 years or more.

### Use of air weapons at recreational shooting facilitiesS

12(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual (“A”) to borrow, hire, use or possess an air weapon without holding                        an air weapon certificate at a recreational shooting facility, if—S

(a)A reasonably believes that an individual who is responsible for the management and operation of the facility holds an air                        weapon certificate, and

(b)A's use or possession occurs only while A is at the facility.

(2)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual (“B”) to use or possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon                        certificate at a recreational shooting facility, if—

(a)B reasonably believes that an individual who is responsible for the management and operation of the recreational shooting                        facility holds an air weapon certificate, and

(b)B is an employee of the operator of the facility and is acting in the ordinary course of the employer's business as such an                        operator.

(3)In this paragraph, “recreational shooting facility” means—

(a)a miniature rifle range or a shooting gallery at which air weapons are used, or

(b)a facility for combat games which involve an air weapon,

which is operated with a view to making a profit.

### MuseumsS

13(1)It is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual who is responsible for the management of a museum or is an employee                        of the museum to possess, purchase or acquire an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate if—S

(a)the possession, purchase or acquisition is for the purposes of the museum, and

(b)either—

(i)there is a museum firearms licence in force in respect of the museum, or

(ii)an individual mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) holds an air weapon certificate.

(2)The individuals are—

(a)an individual responsible for the management of the museum, or

(b)a curator at the museum.

(3)In this paragraph—

(a)a reference to an individual responsible for the management of the museum is a reference to a member of the board of trustees                        or the governing body or an individual exercising corresponding functions,

(b)“museum firearms licence” means a licence granted under the Schedule to the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988.

### Air weapons on shipsS

14SIt is not an offence under section 2(1) for a person to use and possess an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate                        while on board a ship if the weapon is part of the equipment of the ship.

### Purchase of air weapons for delivery outwith ScotlandS

15SIt is not an offence under section 2(1) for an individual to purchase an air weapon from a registered firearms dealer without                        holding an air weapon certificate if—

(a)the purchaser is aged 18 years or more, and

(b)the weapon is to be delivered to a place outwith Great Britain, or to a registered firearms dealer in England or Wales, without                        first coming into the purchaser's possession.

### Loaning of air weapons for exempted purposesS

16(1)It is not an offence under section 24(1) or (2) for a person listed in sub-paragraph (2) to lend or to let on hire an air                        weapon to an individual (“A”), who does not hold an air weapon certificate, for the purpose of A's using and possessing the                        weapon in accordance with an exemption under this schedule.S

(2)The persons are—

(a)a holder of an air weapon certificate, or

(b)a person who—

(i)does not hold an air weapon certificate, but

(ii)is entitled to use or possess an air weapon without committing an offence by virtue of an exemption under this schedule.

### Public servants carrying out official dutiesS

17(1)It is not an offence under this Part for a person listed in sub-paragraph (3) to carry out an activity listed in sub-paragraph                        (2) without holding an air weapon certificate, if the carrying out of the activity is for or in connection with the person's                        duties.S

(2)The activities are the use, possession, purchase, acquisition, manufacture, testing, repair, sale, transfer or disposal of                        an air weapon.

(3)The persons are—

(a)a constable,

(b)a member of police staff,

(c)a police cadet appointed under section 25 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012,

(d)a person providing forensic services in pursuance of section 31 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012,

(e)a member of the Ministry of Defence Police appointed on the nomination of the Secretary of State under section 1 of the Ministry                        of Defence Police Act 1987,

(f)a member of the British Transport Police,

(g)a member of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary,

(h)a civilian officer of the British Transport Police or the Civil Nuclear Constabulary,

(i)a member of any other police force while executing a warrant or otherwise acting in Scotland by virtue of any enactment conferring                        powers on the member in Scotland,

(j)a person in the armed forces of Her Majesty,

(k)a member of the armed forces of another country when that member is serving with the armed forces of Her Majesty,

(l)the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer (or a person authorised to act on the Remembrancer's behalf).

(4)In this paragraph “armed forces” means naval, military or air services.

### Holders of certificates or permits with conditionsS

18(1)It is not an offence under section 6(4) for a holder of an air weapon certificate to fail to comply with a condition attached                        to the holder's certificate if the conditions in sub-paragraph (2) are complied with.S

(2)The conditions are—

(a)that the holder of the certificate would be entitled to use, possess, purchase or, as the case may be, acquire an air weapon                        by virtue of an exemption under this schedule if the holder did not hold the certificate, and

(b)that the failure relates to the use, possession, purchase or, as the case may be, acquisition of an air weapon in accordance                        with the exemption.

(3)It is not an offence under section 15(4) for a holder of a police permit or a visitor permit to fail to comply with a condition                        attached to the holder's permit if the conditions in sub-paragraph (4) are complied with.

(4)The conditions are—

(a)that the holder of the permit is entitled to use, possess, purchase or, as the case may be, acquire an air weapon by virtue                        of an exemption under this schedule, and

(b)that the failure relates to the use, possession, purchase or, as the case may be, acquisition of an air weapon in accordance                        with the exemption.

## SCHEDULE 2SMINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS AND REPEALS

 (introduced by section 87)

### **PART 1**SAMENDMENTS AND REPEALS RELATING TO PART 1

#### Firearms Act 1968S

1(1)The Firearms Act 1968 is amended as follows.S

(2)In section 3(1) (offences relating to manufacturing, selling or transferring firearms when not a firearms dealer)—

(a)immediately following paragraph (a), insert “ or ”,

(b)the word “or” immediately following paragraph (b) is repealed,

(c)paragraph (c) is repealed.

(3)In section 21A (firing an air weapon beyond premises), after subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)A person commits an offence if the person—                  

(a)is supervising the use and possession of an air weapon on private premises by a person under the age of 18, and                  

(b)allows the supervised person to fire any missile beyond those premises.”.                  

(4)Section 22(4) (offence for person under 18 to possess an air weapon or ammunition for an air weapon) is repealed.

(5)Section 23 (exceptions from section 22(4) of that Act) is repealed.

(6)In section 24(4) (supplying firearms to minors), in paragraph (b), for the words from “by” to the end substitute “ the person holds an air weapon certificate granted under section 5 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015                           or the possession is otherwise in accordance with Part 1 of that Act. ”.

(7)In section 24ZA (failing to prevent minors from having air weapons), for subsection (2) substitute—

“(2)Subsection (1) does not apply where—                  

(a)the person under the age of 18 holds an air weapon certificate granted under section 5 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland)                           Act 2015, or                  

(b)the use or possession of the weapon by the person under the age of 18 is otherwise in accordance with Part 1 of that Act.”.                  

(8)In section 57 (interpretation)—

(a)in subsection (3), for “22(4), 22(5), 23(1)” substitute “ 21A(1A) ”,

(b)in subsection (4), in the definition of “firearms dealer”, in paragraph (b), for “sells or transfers” substitute “ manufactures, sells, transfers, repairs or tests ”.

(9)In Schedule 4 (particulars to be entered by firearms dealer in register of transactions)—

(a)in Part 1, in the note, after “2” insert “ or 3 ”,

(b)in Part 2, for the note substitute— “ *Notes:**This Part does not apply in relation to Scotland.**In this Part “air weapon” includes any component of, or accessory to, an air weapon.* ”,

(c)the heading of Part 2 becomes— “ PARTICULARS RELATING TO AIR WEAPONS: ENGLAND AND WALES ”,

(d)after that Part insert—

##### **“PART 3**SPARTICULARS RELATING TO AIR WEAPONS: SCOTLAND

###### 

1The quantities and description of air weapons manufactured and the dates of manufacture.

2The quantities and description of air weapons purchased or acquired with the names and addresses of the sellers or transferors                           and the date of each transaction.

3The quantities and description of air weapons accepted for sale, repair, testing, cleaning, storage, destruction, or any other                           purposes, with the names and addresses of the transferors and the date of each transaction.

4The quantities and description of air weapons sold or transferred with the names and addresses of the purchasers or transferees                           and the date of each transaction.

5The quantities and description of air weapons in possession for sale or transfer at the date of the last stocktaking or such                           other date in each year as may be specified in the register.”.

(10)In Schedule 6 (prosecution and punishment of offences)—

(a)in the table in Part 1 (punishments)—

(i)in the entry for section 21A (person making improper use of air weapon), in the first column, for “21A” substitute “ 21A(1) and (1A) ”,

(ii)the entry for section 22(4) is repealed,

(iii)the entry for section 23(1) is repealed,

(b)in Part 2 (supplementary provisions as to trial and punishment of offences)—

(i)in paragraph 7, for “21A, 22(3) or (4), 23(1)” substitute “ 21A(1), 21A(1A), 22(3) ”,

(ii)in paragraph 8, for “21A, 22(3) or (4), 23(1),” substitute “ 21A(1), 21A(1A), 22(3), ”.

#### Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995S

2SIn Schedule 9 to the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (certificates as to proof of certain routine matters), at the                        end of the table insert—

#### Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006S

3SSection 32 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (sales of air weapons by way of trade or business to be face to face) is                        repealed.

### **PART 2**SAMENDMENTS RELATING TO PART 2

#### Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005S

4(1)The 2005 Act is amended as follows.S

(2)In section 28(2) (period of effect of premises licence), for “34(1)” substitute “ 33(1) ”.

(3)In section 29(4) (application to vary premises licence), for “and 22” substitute “ , 22 and 24A ”.

(4)In section 35 (variation on transfer), in each of subsections (1) and (3)(b), the words “or 34(1)” are repealed.

(5)In section 37 (review of premises licence on Licensing Board's initiative)—

(a)in subsection (3), for “subsection” where second occurring substitute “ section ”,

(b)in subsection (4)—

(i)in paragraph (a), for “subsection” substitute “ section ”,

(ii)in paragraph (b), for “subsection” substitute “ section ”.

(6)In section 49(1)(c) (Licensing Board's duty to update premises licence), the words “or 34(1)” are repealed.

(7)In section 57 (notification of occasional licence application to chief constable and Licensing Standards officer), in subsection                        (5)—

(a)for “Subsections (2) and (3) have” substitute “ Subsection (3) has ”,

(b)for “references” where first occurring substitute “ reference ”,

(c)for “references” where second occurring substitute “ a reference ”.

### **PART 3**SAMENDMENTS RELATING TO PART 3

#### Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982S

5(1)The 1982 Act is amended as follows.S

(2)In Schedule 1 (licensing: further provisions as to the general system)—

(a)in paragraph 5—

(i)the sub-paragraph (2A) which was inserted by section 172(6)(d) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 is                        renumbered as sub-paragraph (2ZA),

(ii)in the sub-paragraph (2A) which was inserted by paragraph 11(6)(b)(ii) of Schedule 1 to the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 (Consequential                        Modifications and Savings) Order 2006, SSI 2006/475, for “(1)(b)” substitute “ (1A)(b) ”,

(b)in paragraph 7(3), for “(2), (2A)” substitute “ (1A), (2), (2ZA), (2A) ”.