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MSPs set to back airgun licence bill at Holyrood MSPs set to back airgun licence bill at Holyrood
(about 7 hours later)
MSPs are expected to back new rules requiring airgun owners to hold a licence.MSPs are expected to back new rules requiring airgun owners to hold a licence.
The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill will also contain tougher regulations on pubs, strip bars, taxi firms and scrap dealers.The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill will also contain tougher regulations on pubs, strip bars, taxi firms and scrap dealers.
Following the death of Glasgow toddler Andrew Morton who was shot dead with an airgun in 2005, the government pledged to license the weapon.Following the death of Glasgow toddler Andrew Morton who was shot dead with an airgun in 2005, the government pledged to license the weapon.
Holyrood will debate and vote on the measures in the chamber later.Holyrood will debate and vote on the measures in the chamber later.
The bill includes a wide reform of the licensing system in Scotland and will give councils the power to reject applications for new pubs, off-licences, lap dancing clubs and hire cars on the grounds that there are too many in the area.The bill includes a wide reform of the licensing system in Scotland and will give councils the power to reject applications for new pubs, off-licences, lap dancing clubs and hire cars on the grounds that there are too many in the area.
It was endorsed by Holyrood's local government committee in March, but it called for action to close a "loophole" which could see strip clubs circumvent the new laws.It was endorsed by Holyrood's local government committee in March, but it called for action to close a "loophole" which could see strip clubs circumvent the new laws.
Premises which hold four or fewer sexual entertainment events a year would be exempt, but MSPs fear this could lead to strippers moving from venue to venue to avoid the law.Premises which hold four or fewer sexual entertainment events a year would be exempt, but MSPs fear this could lead to strippers moving from venue to venue to avoid the law.
However, theatre productions that contain nudity will be exempt from the licensing shake-up.However, theatre productions that contain nudity will be exempt from the licensing shake-up.
Labour has also called for amendments to prevent 16-year-olds working as cleaners or in administrative roles in strip clubs.Labour has also called for amendments to prevent 16-year-olds working as cleaners or in administrative roles in strip clubs.
Other provisions include a requirement for pub owners to prove that they are fit to run a premises, including disclosing spent convictions.Other provisions include a requirement for pub owners to prove that they are fit to run a premises, including disclosing spent convictions.
Councils must have the stated objective of reducing the consumption of alcohol when considering new licences while those who give alcohol to children to drink in public will be criminalised.Councils must have the stated objective of reducing the consumption of alcohol when considering new licences while those who give alcohol to children to drink in public will be criminalised.
Communities will be given a greater say over the opening of lap-dancing bars while councils will also be able to judge whether there is an over-provision of private hire cars in the area.Communities will be given a greater say over the opening of lap-dancing bars while councils will also be able to judge whether there is an over-provision of private hire cars in the area.
The bill will also impose new regulations on scrap metal dealers to cut down on theft, including a requirement to get proper identification from those selling scrap and refuse payment in cash.The bill will also impose new regulations on scrap metal dealers to cut down on theft, including a requirement to get proper identification from those selling scrap and refuse payment in cash.
A Scottish government spokesman said: "At the very heart of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill is this government's aim to support and encourage legitimate businesses whilst protecting public health and safety and empowering our communities.A Scottish government spokesman said: "At the very heart of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill is this government's aim to support and encourage legitimate businesses whilst protecting public health and safety and empowering our communities.
"It will reduce metal theft by strengthening a licensing regime for scrap metal dealers, introduce more robust alcohol provisions for pubs, clubs and retailers, and gives local authorities the powers to decide on the numbers of sexual entertainment venues in their area."It will reduce metal theft by strengthening a licensing regime for scrap metal dealers, introduce more robust alcohol provisions for pubs, clubs and retailers, and gives local authorities the powers to decide on the numbers of sexual entertainment venues in their area.
"We also have a long-standing commitment to eradicate gun crime in Scotland."We also have a long-standing commitment to eradicate gun crime in Scotland.
"Offences involving air weapons accounted for almost half of all offences involving a firearm in 2013-14. Every day police and animal welfare groups have to face the results of air weapon misuse, from anti-social behaviour to horrific and deliberate injuries to wildlife and pets.""Offences involving air weapons accounted for almost half of all offences involving a firearm in 2013-14. Every day police and animal welfare groups have to face the results of air weapon misuse, from anti-social behaviour to horrific and deliberate injuries to wildlife and pets."
The debate on the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill can be watched live at BBC Scotland's Democracy Live website.