79.Subsection (1) sets the duration of air weapon club approvals at six years, which is consistent with approvals issued to rifle or muzzle-loading pistol clubs under section 15 of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988 (“the 1988 Act”).
80.Subsection (2) provides that an air weapon club approval will remain valid beyond its stated expiry date, provided that the club has applied to the Chief Constable for a renewal before that expiry date and the Chief Constable has not yet approved or rejected that renewal. The effect of this subsection is that club members can continue to benefit from the exemption at paragraph 1 of schedule 1 when the original approval expires, provided that renewal is being actively considered by the Chief Constable.
81.Subsection (3) provides the Scottish Ministers with the power to change the duration of air weapon club approvals. The regulations will be subject to the affirmative procedure.