Blandford Boys conforms with all criteria laid down by the Violent Crimes Reduction Act 2006.
The following are the key sections of the act applicable to re-enactors and is presented here as a reference for film, television, media and event organising representatives.
Sections 36 to 38 : Realistic Imitation Firearms.
Makes it an offence to manufacture, import or sell realistic imitation firearms. It also makes it an offence to modify an imitation forearm to make it realistic. Imported realistic imitation firearms will be liable to forfeiture under Customs and Excise controls.
Defences and Exemptions.
It makes it a defence to show that the manufacture, importation, sale or modification was only for the purpose of making the realistic imitation forearm available for :
- Theatrical performances and rehersals of such performances
- The production of films and television programs
- The organisation and holding of historical re-enactments
- Crown servants (Armed Forces, Police etc.)
Exemption for re-enactments
Historical re-enactment is defined as " Any presentation or other event held for the purpose of re-enacting an event from the past or of illustrating conduct from a particular time or period in the past.
This is intended to include a range of re-enactment activities including the display of milutary vehicles at shows and presentations to school children.
The regulations also specify the persons who can claim the defence for historical re-enactment. This is restricted to those organising or taking part in re-enactment activities for which third party liability insurance is held.
For re-enactments. It would be advisable to ask to see any membership card and check that either the individual or the society holds the required insurance.
Section 40 : Supplying Imitation Firearms to Minors.
It makes it an offence for anyone aged under 18 years to purchase an imitation firearm and for anyone to sell an imitation firearm to someone under the age of 18 years.
There is a defence for anyone charged with the offence of selling an imitation firearm to someone under 18 years, where he can show that he had reasonable grounds for believing the purchaser to be 18 years or over - for example, seeing credible proof of age.
Possession of Realistic Imitation Firearms.
You are allowed to possess realistic imitation forearms at official re-enactment events provided you are a member of a re-enactment group, can provide proof of this and that your group is covered by appropriate insurance.
Buying and Selling Realistic Imitation Firearms.
You must only sell to a person who is over the age of 18 years and who is involved in bona-fide living history, re-enactment, film, TV production or to a crown servant.
You must ensure that the buyer is one of the above and must obtain proof of this otherwise you could be breaking the law.
If you are a purchaser then you must be over the age of 18 years, be involved in one of the above AND be able to prove it.
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