What the Law states - Control of use of dangerous articles

Control of Weapons Act 1990 - SECT 7

Control of use of dangerous articles

7. Control of use of dangerous articles

(1) A person must not in a public place possess or carry a dangerous article without lawful excuse.

(1A) A person who is in licensed premises or in a public place that is in the immediate vicinity of licensed premises must not possess or carry a dangerous article without lawful excuse.

(2) In this section lawful excuse includes-

(a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity; and

(b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment; and

(c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of the article; and

(d) the use of the article for the purpose for which it is designed or intended-

but does not include possession or carriage of a dangerous article for the purpose of self-defence.

(4) In considering whether a person has a lawful excuse to possess or carry a dangerous article, the court must have regard to the circumstances, such as time and location, of the incident.