| Corona measures extended |
| You have undoubtedly already heard that the Corona measures have been extended at least until May 3, 2020. Depending on the evolution in the figures, the “national security council” will evaluate on 22 April 2020 whether the measures will be extended after that, or whether a relaxation is possible for some sectors. In any case, we are contacting the office of the Minister of Health to defend our case so that we can buy back. My estimate is that possibly the gun shops will be allowed to open again first with all kinds of security measures such as now in the food stores and later in garden centers and do it yourself. Unfortunately, shooting ranges are considered “sports infrastructure” and therefore less important. The opening may take a little longer here. But we are also working on that. After all, shooting is an individual sport and the risk is well manageable. Canteens in shooting ranges will probably be the last thing to reopen. |
| What about the shooting sessions for recreational shooters? |
| Earlier we reported that the Flemish government has taken a decision to solve the problems for sport shooters who do not get enough turns due to the closure of the shooting ranges. This regulation does not apply to recreational shooters, i.e. users of shooting ranges who do not hold a sports shooting license. The Weapons Act and Article 2 of the Royal Decree of 29 December 2006 require recreational shooters to be able to demonstrate that they regularly participate in shooting activities as a result of the five-yearly inspection. Nowhere in the legislation is a minimum number of shootings stipulated. On the basis of a circular from 2011, at least 10 shootings per year are imposed. In practice, the governors also take into account exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the gun owner and make it impossible to achieve the number of turns. So the impossibility of shooting during the corona measures can be taken into account. Recreational shooters also have time to do the necessary shooting as soon as the stands open again. We therefore advise you to follow this up and still try to take turns. |
| What if your permit expires? |
| A firearms licence is valid for three months after the date of issue to purchase the weapon. If this purchase did not take place within three months of issue, the firearms licence will be null and void by operation of law. Since the arms shops have been closed for a long time now, and it is also not possible to move to buy weapons due to the corona measures (after all, such a movement will probably not be considered “essential travel”), some gun owners risk that their license would expire and they will have to apply for everything again and also have to pay the fee. If you have a permit that will expire soon, it is a good idea to contact the local police and/or the services of the governor. After all, it is provided that they can adjust the date of issue so that the permit remains valid to acquire the weapon as soon as the corona measures are lifted. However, there is no automatic extension of these deadlines, so those in this situation should take the initiative themselves. |
Source: Wapenunie
