The National Retail Association has joined with the Queensland Police Minister to launch a new knife crime prevention campaign called ‘End Knife Violence’ aligned to new laws restricting the sale of knives and other items.
The new laws will come into effect from September 1 this year, with retailers being encouraged to start making changes immediately. The laws prohibit the sale of knives and controlled items to minors under 18 years.
National Retail will also deliver a range of support services to help businesses understand the new laws. Director of policy David Stout said retailers were overwhelmingly supportive of the new laws but would need time and support to implement the changes.
“We will be working closely with a range of stakeholders, from national retailers and suppliers to brick and mortar, store businesses, and e-commerce retailers,” Stout said.
“Over the coming months, the National Retail Association's Policy team will be delivering a range of support services for businesses, including a toll-free hotline, handbook to compliance, fact sheets and signage, online webinars, and physical visits to thousands of stores in more than 500 retail centres and precincts across Queensland.
“We will also be holding free online information sessions for businesses every Thursday at 11am, starting tomorrow.
“We look forward to ongoing engagement with the Queensland Police Service, as we work together to combat juvenile knife crime and offending. Safe retail precincts are a key priority and, together, we can improve community safety.”
Under the new laws, retailers will be required to perform age checks, provide instructions to their staff, display in-store signage, and restrict advertising.
In addition, particular controlled items such as axes, machetes, and swords, cannot be sold to minors but must also be securely stored prior to sale, such as in locked cabinets or tethered so they cannot be removed without staff assistance. Restricted items, such as certain gel blasters which could be mistaken for real firearms, must also be securely stored and not sold to minors.
Some knives, such as those made from plastic or with a rounded end, are exempt.
The new laws are part of a suite of initiatives, such as expanded wanding powers, being launched by the Queensland Government in order to combat knife crime and youth offending, work with industry on solutions, and protect the community.