RIYADH, 17 June — Citizens can now set up private shooting and hunting clubs as the higher authorities yesterday issued rules and regulations governing them. The clubs will be supervised by the Interior Ministry and the Presidency of Youth Welfare.
The clubs should be established away from important institutions, housing areas, schools, hospitals, jails, shopping centers and petrol and gas stations. They should also comply with the safety and security rules and conditions set by the Civil Defense.
The Department of Arms and Ammunition at the Interior Ministry will issue the licenses to Saudis not less than 25 years of age and without any criminal record. Security authorities will clear the applicant after verifying his history.
The Ministry of Interior will reserve the right to accept or reject any application without citing a reason. The ministry will pass the applications marked for approval on to the Presidency of Youth Welfare to complete technical procedures.
People convicted of trafficking liquors and narcotics, violence, robbery, forgery, giving false testimony, bribery and immoral conduct will not be eligible to apply. “Those convicted of disruptive activities or smuggling, selling explosives, dismissed from government service or facing disciplinary action for violating honor and trust as well as people with a history of mental disorders are also ineligible,” the bylaws say. A license will be terminated when the licensee dies or he is convicted of any criminal activity.
The clubs are allowed to use various types of air guns, rifles, shotguns, hunting guns, firearms for personal safety and weapons approved for shooting games.
The clubs should have secure warehouses to keep the weapons and ammunition in and their doors should be equipped with electronic devices that can detect and record entry and exit of arms. They should also have a monitoring system supported by close circuit television cameras. The clubs can import various weapons with prior approval from the Interior Ministry.
A panel comprising representatives from the customs, intelligence, public security and border guards will check the arriving arms consignments.
According to the bylaws, licenses will be issued initially for a period of five years and they can be renewed for similar periods. The clubs should own enough land for setting up practice grounds. The club’s ownership is not transferable without the ministry’s approval.
People with good conduct, not less than 18 years and no history of mental diseases can enroll as members. Teenagers can be admitted with their guardians.
A permanent committee comprising officials from the Presidency of Youth Welfare, intelligence, public security, the Department of Arms and Ammunitions and the Saudi Arabian Federation for Archery will oversee the clubs’ functioning.
The committee will regularly inspect the clubs, monitor their records and facilities, and review their performance. “The licensed person will be responsible for whatever happens inside the club,” the bylaw says.
The clubs should have qualified Saudi security guards. They should also get membership of the Saudi Arabian Archery Federation before starting to function. Only the club members will be allowed into the firing range. The club members must obey orders of club officials and their membership will be canceled if found violating any shooting rules.
The Department of Arms and Ammunition at the ministry will keep a complete record of the licensee, the weapons he imported and the staff working at the club.
“The clubs’ aim should be to teach the new generation the use of firearms in the right manner and to provide them a proper place to practice the hobbies of shooting and hunting,” an Interior Ministry statement said. It said the club members would be given special training to take part in international and regional competitions.
