Sark’s firearms laws have been reviewed and they’re going to be updated, with the suggested changes bringing them in line with Guernsey’s rules.
The island’s Douzaine – which is a committee of Chief Pleas – has been responsible for licensing firearms and shotguns for the past decade.
Working with Guernsey Police, the Douzaine has recently reviewed the current system of checks and decided they need an update.
The new rules would mean that licences would last for three years instead of one, and the new licences would have photos on them.
A doctor would have to put the licence on an applicant’s medical record so it would be flagged if they present with a medical condition that may affect their suitability to own a gun.
The exact location of where firearms are held would also have to be recorded in Sark, and Guernsey Police would keep a record of licence applications and the guns’ serial numbers.
Chief Pleas has agreed to the changes in principal, with the Law Officers now drafting the legislation needed to change the law.
