22 December 2025
The new licensing scheme being proposed by the Government is set to help save lives ad keep dangerous weapons out of young hands by blocking illegal knife sales and imports.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "The government has just announced a consultation on the proposal to introduce a licensing scheme for businesses selling knives (bladed items). This is part of their commitment to reduce knife crime by 50%.
"I suspect that independent retailers will read this with a collective groan. We all agree that knife crime has no place in our society. We currently have rules governing the sales of bladed items and I believe our members are responsible with regard to implementing these rules."
Mr Goodacre added: "There is no evidence that licensing will reduce the crime or access to knives as weapons. The problems with the sales of knives is an online issue and this should be the focus of any licensing scheme (as it should be with the sale of fake products and unsafe products).
"We will be responding on behalf of indie retailers. We urge you to use the Bira member forum found below to post your opinions on this matter, every contribution helps".
"Banning online knife sales would be pro-footfall so I’d support that"
Should knives continue to be allowed to be sold online?
Our members have already started the conversation over on the forum, which you can access by simply logging into the Bira website. See what fellow retailers think of this Budget and have your say over on Bira Connect.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Image credit: Szmutko/stock.adobe.com
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