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As with any age related product, be it alcohol, cigarettes, solvents and some DVD’s / Games - there is a real need to ensure that these items do not fall into the hands of those who should not have them.
It is not only a legal requirement but a social responsibility to ensure that in places where knives and other bladed items are sold, all Management and staff are fully knowledgeable of the law as it currently stands. It is an unfortunate fact that there are many outlets who do not ensure all staff are adequately trained in this respect.
Because of this, the AKCT are in the process of drafting an industry wide Code of Conduct. This will set out simple, easy to implement guidelines which will ensure that knives and any other bladed tool are sold responsibly. Signatories to the guide will receive training materials for use in staff training sessions as well as handy prompt cards which can be displayed at the point of sale as a reminder to both staff and customers of the current legislation.
These guidelines will ensure:
- Knives are not obtained by minors.
ID / proof of age will be required at point of sale if the salesperson suspects the purchaser is under 18. The training information accompanying the Code will provide recommended approaches to ensuring this can be carried out without causing inconvenience of offence to customers. It is often the worry of a ‘confrontation’ or ‘looking silly’ that cause salespeople to lack the confidence to make this request - the training material will address this.
- That they are advertised responsibly
It is currently an offence to promote or advertise a knife for use as a weapon, for ‘Combat’ use or ‘likely to stimulate or encourage violent behaviour involving the use of the knife as a weapon’. All signatories of the Code will ensure that all advertisements and in-store displays are compliant and staff are aware of this legislation.
- That knives are not displayed within reach of minors
Displays of knives and other bladed tools should be out of the reach of minors where possible or security tagged.
- Online sales - Declaration of age
Online retailers will require a signed ‘Proof of Age’ statement from anyone wishing to purchase a bladed item online using any method of payment other than credit card / Paypal or any other online payment service which requires account holders to be 18 or over.
Of course, this is mostly covered in current UK legislation - but it is our intention that by highlighting these points, encouraging retailers to use targeted training aids and providing point-of-sale prompt cards these points of law are more widely understood, salespeople have more confidence to enforce them and we show that, as an industry we have the ability to self-regulate thus negating the need for punitive legislation.
Unlike other areas like the alcohol industry or tobacco industry - the knife industry has not yet been given the chance to prove it can be an effective aid to combating crime and our intention is to work in partnership with government and local authorities to ensure we all continue to have the freedom to access and enjoy and use the tools we need.
When visiting a shop or on-line retailer - seeing the AKCT logo will be your assurance that that company has made the commitment to abide by the regulations set in the Code.
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