BASC has launched a consultation on Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) plans to move to an entirely online firearms licensing system.
The UK’s largest shooting organisation is asking firearm certificate holders for their views on PSNI proposals to remove the paper-based application system.
BASC’s ‘Northern Ireland Licensing Survey’ is anonymous, should take less than two minutes to complete and information provided will be treated in strictest confidence. Its findings will be used to provide an evidence-based response to the PSNI.
BASC NI director Tommy Mayne said: “PSNI have advised us that they plan to carry out an assessment of the operation of the new online system based on information gathered over a six month introduction phase.
“BASC would like the views of those who shoot so that we have the evidence to enable us to deliver a full and balanced response to the changes PSNI plan to implement.
“BASC is aware that this survey asks questions which are of a personal nature, however we would like to reassure those who take part that the questions are necessary. For the future of shooting in Northern Ireland, we would urge people to take part.”
Printed versions of the survey have been sent to all BASC members in Northern Ireland. Emails containing a weblink and password have also been sent to those members in NI that have registered email addresses with the association.
Non-BASC members can complete a paper version of the survey at the following BASC member firearms dealers’ premises:
TRG Glass, Ballymena
Firefly, Newtownards
Country Sports, Newtownards
Hollow Farm, Comber
CF Beattie, Carrickfergus.
Foymore Lodge, Portadown
Fernvale Country Sports, Kells
H Burke and Son, Coleraine
Outdoor and Country Sports, Coleraine
Monteith, Beragh
SL Sports, Ringsend
Bridge Guns and Tackle, Strabane
River Mourne Guns and Tackle, Strabane
Field and Stream, Moy
CA Anderson and Co, Omagh
Maryland Country Sports, Belfast
Home Field and Stream, Enniskillen
Norman Harpur, Maguiresbridge