Crossbows to come under licensing laws

The Home Office has published its long-awaited response to the 2024 call for evidence on controls for crossbows on public safety grounds. This follows a period of scrutiny prompted by several high-profile incidents where crossbows were used in serious criminal offences, including the murders in Bushey on 9 July 2024 and the attacks in Headingley on 26 April 2025, alongside other cases involving murder and serious violence.

Public safety remains a clear government priority. The response highlights concerns over how readily crossbows can be acquired in their current unregulated state, particularly through online purchases. Unlike firearms, which require rigorous licensing under the Firearms Act 1968 with checks on suitability, background, and secure storage, crossbows have until now faced only basic age restrictions under the Crossbows Act 1987, no licensing, no registration, and no police oversight for ownership or possession by adults.

The government's proposed measures mark a significant shift. Key points include:

1. Introduction of a licensing scheme for existing crossbow owners  

Current owners will need to apply for a licence and pass suitability checks (likely similar in principle to those for shotguns or firearms certificates, though details remain to be consulted on). Legitimate owners who comply should be able to retain their crossbows, provided they meet the required standards.

2. Prohibition on the sale of crossbows 

New sales will be banned, with further consultation planned on the precise mechanism, potentially a full, outright ban on future supply, while grandfathering existing licensed owners.

3. Ban on broadhead arrows

These specialised hunting or target arrows, noted in the call for evidence for their increased lethality, will also be prohibited.

4. Enhanced controls on online sales  

The majority of crossbows purchased by surveyed owners were bought online. To address this, measures already included in the Crime and Policing Bill will require stronger age verification at both point of sale and point of delivery. This builds on existing rules that prohibit sales to under-18s but adds robust identity checks to prevent circumvention.

These proposals draw a clearer parallel between crossbows and firearms in terms of oversight, while aiming to balance public safety with the legitimate interests of target shooters, field sports participants, and others who use crossbows responsibly. The government has emphasised proportionality; new controls should target misuse without unduly burdening lawful users.

What happens next? 

The Home Office has committed to further consultation on the licensing scheme details, the mechanics of the sales prohibition, and related implementation. This will likely cover issues such as:

• The exact criteria for suitability checks (e.g. criminal record, mental health considerations, secure storage requirements).  

• Application process, fees, and renewal periods.  

• Transitional arrangements for current owners.  

• Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance.

For those involved in shooting sports, this development echoes the structured framework many already navigate with shotguns and rifles. Responsible ownership has always been about demonstrating fitness to possess potentially dangerous equipment, and a licensing regime could provide that reassurance to both authorities and the public.

Organisations such as BASC and other shooting bodies will no doubt engage actively in the upcoming consultations to ensure any new system remains fair, practical, and focused on risk rather than blanket restriction. Legitimate users, whether for target practice, pest control, or historical reenactment, should prepare to make their voices heard when the detailed consultation opens.

In summary, this announcement signals the end of unrestricted access to crossbows in the UK. While the precise shape of the licensing scheme and sales ban awaits further input, the direction is clear: greater controls to reduce the risk of misuse, while protecting the position of compliant owners. Those with existing crossbows should monitor official updates closely and consider how they might need to adapt once the scheme is finalised.

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