Overview

This bill, the Offensive Weapons Bill, primarily focuses on restricting the sale and delivery of bladed articles and corrosive substances to individuals under the age of 18. Key amendments focus on clarifying regulations for online sales and deliveries, introducing stronger penalties for non-compliance, and specifying enforcement agencies.

Description

The bill aims to enhance control over the sale and delivery of offensive weapons. Amendments significantly address online sales by creating offences for selling bladed products online to individuals under 18 where delivery is not handled by a vetted "trusted courier." This necessitates the definition and regulation of "trusted couriers" across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The bill introduces a new clause that criminalises the delivery of a bladed product to residential premises unless it is handed directly to someone aged 18 or over. Defences are included for sellers who can prove they have taken reasonable precautions to ensure age verification. Additionally, the bill expands the powers of local weights and measures authorities to enforce existing laws against the sale of offensive weapons, including those introduced by the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, extending their enforcement remit to cover online sales. The Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008 is also amended to include relevant sections of the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 within its scope.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely relate to the increased enforcement responsibilities of local authorities and any resources required to establish and regulate the "trusted courier" system. However, specific budgetary implications are not detailed within the provided text.

Groups Affected

• Online retailers selling bladed products: Face new restrictions and potential penalties for sales to minors.
• Delivery companies: Could be affected by regulations defining and licensing "trusted couriers."
• Local weights and measures authorities: Take on expanded enforcement responsibilities.
• Young people under 18: Will face stricter restrictions on accessing bladed products.
• Individuals purchasing bladed products online: Must ensure that they meet age verification requirements and that the products are delivered to someone 18 or older if ordered online

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