Controls on crossbows
- From:
- Home Office
- Published
- 14 February 2024
- Last updated
- 19 March 2026 — See all updates
This call for evidence has closed
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The government response covers:
- the background to the call for evidence
- a summary of the responses
- the next steps
Original call for evidence
Summary
Call for information and evidence about whether we should introduce licensing of crossbows on public safety grounds.
This call for evidence closesran atfrom
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Call for evidence description
The law on crossbows currently includes:
- age restrictions
- a ban on using them for hunting animals
Unlike firearms, there is no licensing or registration system for crossbows.
We’re interested in evidence as to whether there should be a licensing system to control the use, ownership and supply of crossbows.
Documents
Controls on the use of crossbows on public safety grounds
PDF, 240 KB, 12 pages
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Updates to this page
Published 14 February 2024
Last updated 19 March 2026
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Government response added.
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First published.
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Call for evidence description
The law on crossbows currently includes:
- age restrictions
- a ban on using them for hunting animals
Unlike firearms, there is no licensing or registration system for crossbows.
We’re interested in evidence as to whether there should be a licensing system to control the use, ownership and supply of crossbows.
Documents
Controls on the use of crossbows on public safety grounds
PDF, 240 KB, 12 pages
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Controls on the use of crossbows on public safety grounds
PDF, 240 KB, 12 pages
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
Share this page
The following links open in a new tab
Updates to this page
Published 14 February 2024
Last updated 19 March 2026
href="#full-history">+ show all updates
-
Government response added.
-
First published.