0
0
After Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) announced around a month ago that he would be drafting a bill for a general ban on weapons and, in particular, knives in public spaces, a corresponding draft for a “Knife Carry Prohibition Act” is now available. To date, the authorities have only been able to issue weapons ban zones in certain locations, such as the recent one at Reumannplatz in Vienna-Favoriten.
In the draft version of April 11, published by the Austrian Press Agency, the carrying of all types of knives is prohibited in the local area, in built-up areas, in parks and sports facilities, in leisure parks, at events, on public transport, and in educational and childcare facilities, with a few exceptions. An offence constitutes an administrative offence that can be punished with a fine of up to 3,600 euros or a prison sentence of up to six weeks.
Transporting a knife between two locations is permitted
However, it is not prohibited to transport a knife from one place to another if it is not at hand, and holders of a firearms licence and persons who are authorised to carry firearms (hunters, members of the ÖBH military) are also exempt from the new regulation.
In the afternoon, the Ministry of the Interior clarified that pocket knives, or so-called Swiss knives, whose blades can only be opened with both hands, should not fall under the ban. Even if, for example, a “stag knife” with a blade length of 20 centimetres or more is taken to the Kirtag in traditional leather trousers, this should be permitted, the Ministry of the Interior informed, because in this case, it is a matter of preserving customs and thus another exception.
Other special cases include professional activities, such as the preparation and consumption of food, as well as sports, the preservation of customs, historical processions, historical events, or film production/ theatre, and activities with recognised educational purposes (scouts, schools), where the carrying of knives should remain permitted. The sale of knives at markets and fairs is also still possible. The provisions on firearms remain unchanged.
This post has already been read 3064 times!
