Following the recent announcment. What is the implication for use of imitation firearms
in amatuer theatre use? I tried to make sense of the
BILL but got lost after the first couple of paragraphs. Not only does it have an impact on us but also 'Western Societies' 'Re-enactment Groups' ect.

What about those people who already own Imitation blank firing guns ?

That's a very interesting point and I would hope that a common sense approach is adopted. The implications are far reaching for amateur theatre otherwise. I, like many others, will be keeping a close eye on developments.

34
Sale etc. of knives and other weapons

(1)
The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33) is amended as follows.

(2)
In section 141A(1) (prohibition on sale of knives etc. to persons under sixteen),
for ?sixteen? substitute ?eighteen?.


(3)
In subsections (5), (8) and (9) of section 141 (defences relating to museums and
galleries to offence of manufacture, sale etc. of prescribed weapons), for

?prove? substitute ?show?.


(4)
After subsection (11) of that section insert?


?(11A)
It shall be a defence for a person charged in respect of conduct of his

relating to a weapon to which this section applies?

40

(a)
with an offence under subsection (1) above, or

(
with an offence under section 50(2) or (3) of the Customs and

Excise Management Act 1979,

to show that his conduct was for the purpose only of making the
weapon in question available for one or more of the purposes specified
in subsection (11B).

(11B)
Those purposes are?


(a)
the purposes of theatrical performances and of rehearsals for
such performances;


(
the production of films (within the meaning of Part 1 of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 - see section 5B of that


Act);

the production of television programmes (within the meaning
of the Communications Act 2003 - see section 401(1) of that Act).

It appears that you've got an excuse if it's in use for performances.

Yeah - I'm sure I heard on the news that there are going to be exemptions for theatrical productions....

It's not worded well though is it?

It appears that using them for a theatrical production can be used as defence when charged

It would never get to charge....

Not unless the custody suite was really quiet on a Saturday night...

It's legal speak.... No one really understand it...

I bet Pamela can though...

...What do yo expect - its a Government Bill!

Katb's correct - theatrical groups, TV etc are exempt.

Thought it may look like collectors who hire them out to Drama groups might be a little grey in that area.

Due to the number of groups round my area I thought about getting a few weapons for this to hire out.

Might still do it if it's still a big grey area, as some groups might be scared off from doing shows with guns when they don't fully understand the issues required.

This also means of course greater security when using weapons on stage and transporting them....

Once, a few years ago now, we had a visit from our local armed response team!

We were rehearsing a murder mystery (in our first floor rehearsal rooms) and two girls passing by outside saw what they thought was someone shooting someone else. They called the Police, who alerted the ARU.

The ARU burst into our premises in the most amazing manner and were less than amused by the whole incident even though we were only using a starting pistol. We were less than amused too, partic. the producer (I think it was), who was manhandled by a member of the ARU.

We now make certain that the curtains are firmly closed when we are rehearsing anything, even though the rooms are on the first floor!