06 March 2023
The Sentencing Council has published two new sentencing guidelines, which come into effect on 1st April 2023, for sentencing retailers convicted of selling knives to children under 18.
The new sentencing guidelines come on the back of a consultation in 2022, in which Bira made a substantial level of recommendation that has been acknowledged in the response to the consultation.
Retailers found guilty of selling knives to underage customers could face unlimited fines and individuals could face a possible prison sentence of up to six months. The sale of retail knives also includes bladed kitchen utensils and butter knives and includes sales in-store and online.
These new regulations highlight the severity of the issue and the importance of responsible knife sales. Retailers must ensure that they are aware of the legal requirements and take all necessary steps to prevent the sale of knives to underage customers.
To assist, the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) has developed a Knife Retailers Toolkit. This toolkit provides a comprehensive guide on how to sell knives responsibly, how to handle and store knives, and how to train staff on knife sales. Bira has also produced challenge 25 posters for retailers to download and use.
To access the NBCC Retailers Toolkit and other resources, visit our Safe Retailing Hub.
If you are unsure about anything in relation to the sale of knives, please contact Bira Legal.
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