BASC has received clarification from Tesco that it does not impose age restrictions on shooting magazines sold in its stores.
An age restriction on the sale of Shooting Times at a self-service till in one of its stores may have been a system error, according to the supermarket giant.
The company has since said its customer services team was wrong to tell a BASC member ‘it would be unethical’ to sell Shooting Times to children.
Dr Conor O’Gorman, BASC’s policy development manager, said: “We are grateful to BASC member Ian Roderick for reporting to us that his purchase of Shooting Times in Tesco was flagged as age-restricted on a self-service till.
“I am delighted Tesco quickly clarified the situation after we contacted them. If anyone encounters problems buying a shooting magazine in any newsagent, supermarket or shop please let BASC know immediately. By working together, we can ensure any misunderstandings are overcome regarding the sale or display of shooting magazines to young people.”
Peter Glenser, BASC chairman, said: “BASC has worked with Asda, Easons, Moto, Tesco and WHSmith to discuss and solve problems reported to us by their customers in recent years. Shooting sports are open to all people of all ages, which can be seen across the country with parents and guardians, in schools, shooting clubs, the Cadet corps and the Scout movement. Shooting is an Olympic sport and athletes start to train at a young age. There should be no restrictions on the sale of shooting magazines.”