Knife Dealers' Licensing Scheme

3rd February 2010

The Highland Council is advising business people, who sell sporting knifes and daggers as well as ceremonial swords, that they will need a licence to sell these goods in the future.

The Council wants those concerned to apply now to ensure the application has been processed in time for the introduction on 1 June of this year of the new legislation, which is covered by Section 27A of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

The licence costs £315 and covers a three year period,

The Council is eager to advise other Highland knife dealers of the need to be licensed if they intend continuing to sell these items. After 1 June, It will be an offence to sell knifes and swords without a licence.

Conditions of the licence will include the requirement for the dealer to make detailed written records on the day of any transaction and retain these records for three years; to verify the identity of the customer; and seek proof that the purchaser is at least 18.

Dealers must also ensure that the articles for sale are not readily visible to customers from the street or any public entrance to the premises.