Contributors
The government has announced that it will be introducing stricter age verification checks and a ban on doorstep drop-offs of knifes as part of measures to reduce knife crime.
The proposed new measures are set to be included as part of the Crime and Policing Bill expected to be introduced in Parliament by spring 2025.
The Bill will need to go through the parliamentary process before becoming law, but it is envisaged that online customers will be required to submit photo ID before placing an order and again on delivery.
Delivery companies will be permitted to only deliver bladed articles to the same person who placed the order and the package must be handed over to that person, not left on their doorstep.
Ashley Borthwick, specialist regulatory lawyer, comments that:
"The proposals are welcome news to reduce weapons getting into the wrong hands and protecting against knife crime. It will interesting to understand what details a customer is required to provide both when placing and taking delivery of an order to ensure that the new measures are effective and cannot be easily bypassed."
More details of the proposals will follow in due course.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice.
