Section 11(6) of the Firearms Act 1968 states:

“A person may, without holding a shotgun certificate, use a shotgun at a time and place approved for shooting at artificial targets by the chief officer of police for the area in which that place is situated.”

1. The organiser of any clay pigeon shoot at which persons who do not hold a shot gun certificate wish to shoot must apply to the Chief Officer for the area in which the shoot is to take place for an exemption under section 11(6) of the 1968 Firearms Act.

2. This allows non-certificate holders to possess shot guns at a time and place approved by the Chief Officer for shooting at artificial targets which normally, though not exclusively, includes clay pigeons.

3. This exemption applies ONLY to shot guns falling under section 2 of the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended).

4. Any person under 15 using a shot gun must be supervised by a person of, or over, 21. (Firearms Act 1968, Section 22(3)).

5. Prohibited persons as defined by Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968 (If known) must not be permitted to be in possession of guns or ammunition.

6. The owners of any shot guns used on the site are reminded that the security of those guns remains solely their responsibility.”


Guidance On Conducting A Clay Pigeon Shoot

1. There should be a zone extending to 275 Metres from the shooting point in the direction of fire, which should be clearly defined.

2. Shot, broken or whole clay targets should not land on any areas where the public have access, or where permission from the owner of the land has not been granted.

3. No person who appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs should be allowed to be in possession of guns.

4. All guns should only be loaded when on the firing point.

5. Health & Safety regulations require that appropriate safety equipment must be made available to all parties requiring it.

6. Initial application should be made a reasonable time before the first such event is to take place (preferably at least 4 weeks).

7. The organiser must be in a position to accept responsibility for safety at the event, and should do so.

8. The organiser of such an event has a liability in law, and is advised to have an appropriate form of insurance to cover any accidents, third party liability, employers liability etc. depending on the circumstances.

9. The period of validity for the exemption may vary dependant on individual/club circumstances and specific requirements should be discussed in detail with the firearms licensing department.

10. You should be aware of the potential for noise pollution.

11. You may wish to consider conducting a risk assessment for the activity.

Download Application for an Exemption under Section 11(6) of the Firearms Act 1968

This application should be returned to the Firearms and Explosives Licensing Branch, Sussex Police Headquarters, Malling House, Church Lane, LEWES, East Sussex, BN7 2DZ

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