What is Ronan’s Law
Ronan’s Law are new measures brought in by the Government which will increase rules around selling knives online. As part of the law, retailers and businesses across the UK will be required to report any suspicious sales of knives to the police. This law incorporates Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson’s pledge to half knife crime by 2030.
The new law is called Ronan’s Law in memory of 16 year old Ronan Kanda. He was murdered by a knife wielding fellow school pupil who had just bought a 22-inch sword using his mother’s ID online. After collecting the large knife from the Post Office, he then stabbed Ronan in the back and chest in a case of mistaken identity.
This murderer had bought 30 knives via the same method that year, there being no checks, despite him being underage. In the year leading up to March 2024, there were 262 murders in England and Wales using a knife or sharp instrument.
How will Ronan’s Law change the rules on knife possession and knife sales?
Changes to the law, predicts the BBC, include:
- Increased prison sentences for selling weapons to under-18s for either individuals who have processed a sale or a company chief executives.
- Retailers being required to bring in stronger photo identity checks for buyers – both at points of sale and delivery.
- A new offence of “possession with violent intent”, which will come with a prison sentence of up to four years. This means that even if the weapon is legal, if there is intent to cause violence, it will be a crime.
- A consultation on a registration/licensing scheme for online knife sellers.
The sentence for selling weapons to under 18s will be increased from six months to two years. The law will come into force this spring.
How will Ronan’s Law impact Nightclubs?
The key focus of knife crime laws is to improve the safety of British streets and urban areas. It is also to benefit the safety of young people and late-night goers – the main audience of nightclubs and nightlife venues.
Nightclubs, as well as any other late-night businesses, will need to be on the lookout for people in possession of knives. A new offence of possessing an offensive weapon with intent for violence will be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill which will come with a prison sentence of up to four years in prison. This means that no matter if the weapon in possession is legal or not, if there is intent to cause violence, it is a crime.
All crimes either on the premises of a nightclub, or in the vicinity and witnessed, should be reported to the police.
The Government’s commitment to get zombie knives and machetes off our streets shows a positive move toward the protection of our overall night time experience. The government’s mission to tackle knife crime is certainly in the interest of nightlife operators, many of whom have had issues with knife crime and knife possession at their venues for years. We expect the government to provide support and guidance on how to prevent knife crime and manage the risk at your venue.
Cody Fisher was killed at a Birmingham Nightclub on 26 December 2022 after a large knife was smuggled into the club. Cody’s mother blamed the club for the lacking security on the night. Her son was targeted by a group in masks on the dance floor, headbutted, beaten and finally stabbed with a six-inch blade in the heart.
While metal-detecting wands were used on some people, others simply faced a pat-down, while the murderer’s bag was not searched at all. The mother has called for legislation to be passed forcing venues to stock bleed kits and use metal detectors. Asa result of the incident, the club subsequently lost its license.
There is clearly a closer eye on knife crime and knife possession on our streets and in our clubs. Nightclub operators should conduct an effective knife risk assessment and look to improve security. Contact your broker for assistance and guidance on creating a successful knife risk assessment. The Government will slowly but surely look to eradicate knife crime, and this will surely involve the collaboration of nightclubs.
For now, Stage Security has provided tips on How to Avoid Serious Knife Crimes at Your Venue. These include Door Supervisors, installing knife arches and handheld metal detectors.
