Following extensive canvassing of member opinion on the Government’s proposed legislative changes on the selling and marketing of knives, BHETA continues to lobby on behalf of members following the publication of the Offensive Weapons Bill. The lobbying is a joint initiative with bira.
BHETA’s confidential member survey set out to gauge affected members’ views and to understand the potential impact that any changes might have on their businesses – in particular, Para 15: Delivery of bladed products to residential premises etc. If the Bill is passed, then the main implication will be on the ability of online retailers to supply bladed products direct to private addresses.
The response from BHETA members was mixed, with some very concerned at the potential impact that new legislation will have, particularly those companies who have a significant level of business being generated online. Some members, however, while recognising the inevitability of new measures to address the issue of rising knife crime, felt that restricting the sale of knives online might actually encourage customers back into stores, thus breathing some life back into the High Street.
Commenting on the current state of play, Will Jones, housewares director of BHETA said, “This is clearly not only an important issue from many points of view, but also a contentious and emotive one, particularly for those companies adversely affected by the legislation under consultation. Some of our members have started their own representations to local MPs, including a formal petition on the subject, and BHETA has circulated details of these initiatives to the membership.
“BHETA has also represented the majority view from the member survey, raising concerns initially with the then Home Secretary, Amber Rudd and subsequently with Sarah Newton MP, the Minister for Crime. In addition, and in conjunction with bira, BHETA attended Legal and Parliamentary affairs meetings to put across the potential impact that these changes would have on its members.”
For more information about BHETA and BHETA lobbying, contact the Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130.
Source: BHETA 16th August 2018
August 2018