Knife Dealers (Licence Conditions) Order 2009 (SSI 2009/217)
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I open the meeting by reminding everyone to switch off their mobile phones and expressing the wish that everyone had a pleasant summer. There are no apologies because, as usual, there is a full turnout of the committee.
If I understand it, the licensing regime comes into force on 1 September—that is, today.
That is correct.
I wonder whether, in relation to both the order that we are discussing and the next one, there is any hangover point. The regime comes into force today, but we are dealing with the orders today as well. Does that create any problems with councillors' ability to deal with licensing?
My understanding is that it does not. Albeit that we are dealing with the matter only today, the regime will have taken effect.
Thank you.
Can we agree to note the order?
Members indicated agreement.
Knife Dealers (Exceptions) Order 2009<br />(SSI 2009/218)
Members' attention is drawn to the cover note on the second order, which is paper 2. The Subordinate Legislation Committee drew the order to the attention of the lead committee and the Parliament on the ground that its meaning could be clearer in relation to the extent to which persons are treated as "qualified to teach" fencing. The Subordinate Legislation Committee considered that clarity is particularly important, as only qualified persons will be exempt from the requirement to hold a licence and not having an appropriate licence will be a criminal offence from 1 September 2009.
Members indicated agreement.
We will have a brief suspension while the witnesses for the next item come to the table.
Meeting suspended.
On resuming—