The Government has published its response to the consultation on the draft statutory guidance on measures in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (“the Act”)) in relation to the sale, delivery and possession of bladed articles, bladed products and corrosives. The consultation was launched on the 15th August 2019 and closed on 9th October 2019.

The final version of the guidance has been published in advance of commencement of the provisions to give key partners and stakeholders time to prepare for the measures coming into force. The guidance will become statutory once the government commence the relevant provision within the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 relating to guidance along with the remaining provisions of the Act. We expect to commence all the remaining provisions of the Act in Spring 2022.