Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Shooting and Paintball Ranges) Regulations 2025

No. S 360

Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021

Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control
(Shooting and Paintball Ranges)
Regulations 2025

In exercise of the powers conferred by section 90 of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021, the Minister for Home Affairs makes the following Regulations:

PART 1

PRELIMINARY

Citation and commencement

1.  These Regulations are the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Shooting and Paintball Ranges) Regulations 2025 and come into operation on 1 July 2025.

General definitions

2.—(1)  In these Regulations —

“acceptable proof of authorisation to possess”, for an individual, means documentary evidence that might reasonably be accepted as applying to the individual and as proving that the individual is authorised by or under the Act to possess;

“acceptable proof of parental consent”, for an individual, means documentary evidence that might reasonably be accepted —

(a) as applying to the individual;

(b) as proving that the individual is not below the minimum age for the activity the individual is engaging or about to engage in; and

(c) as proving that he or she has the consent of his or her parent or guardian to engage in an activity specified in the documentary evidence;

“airgun shooting arena” means a space within an approved shooting range that is demarcated by signs and boundaries as the area in which the use of airguns is permitted, and includes a shooting gallery;

“applicable standard” means any standard applicable to a holder of a range operator licence with respect to any matter mentioned in section 62(2) of the Act;

“applicant” means the person who makes an application to a Licensing Officer for —

(a) a range operator licence; or

(b) a venue approval;

“application”, for a range operator licence or venue approval, includes an application to renew a range operator licence or a venue approval;

“approved paintball range” means a paintball range that is the subject of a current venue approval;

“approved shooting range” means a shooting range that is not a paintball range and is the subject of a current venue approval;

“armoury” has the meaning given by regulation 2(1) of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025 (G.N. No. S 359/2025);

“authorised by or under the Act”, for a regulated activity involving a gun, gun part or gun accessory or any ammunition, means authorised to carry on the regulated activity, without committing an offence under the Act, because of —

(a) a provision in the Act;

(b) a licence or a class licence; or

(c) an exemption by or under section 87, 88 or 89 of the Act;

“auxiliary police officer” means a member of an Auxiliary Police Force created under the Police Force Act 2004;

“contact address” means the address of —

(a) for a partnership (other than a limited liability partnership) — the partnership’s principal place of business in Singapore;

(b) for a body corporate — the body corporate’s registered office or principal office in Singapore;

(c) for an unincorporated association — the unincorporated association’s principal office in Singapore;

(d) for an individual carrying on business as a sole proprietor — the individual’s principal place of business in Singapore; or

(e) for any other individual — the individual’s place of residence or workplace in Singapore;

“current”, for a range operator licence or venue approval, means in effect, and includes not suspended;

“defined incident” has the meaning given by regulation 25(2);

“digital licence” means a range operator licence that is granted in a digital form;

“digital venue approval” means a venue approval that is granted in a digital form;

“entity” means —

(a) a body corporate (including a limited liability partnership);

(b) an unincorporated association;

(c) a partnership;

(d) a business trust;

(e) a body of individuals who together form a body; or

(f) a person other than an individual;

“firearm” means a gun that —

(a) is designed or adapted to fire bullets, shots or other projectiles by means of burning propellant; and

(b) if used in the way for which it is designed or adapted, is capable of being aimed at a target and causing hurt or injury by propelling a bullet, shot or another projectile;

“firearm accessory” means any gun accessory that is designed to be or can be fitted to, or is adapted to fit, a firearm;

“firearm gun part” means a major part of a gun which is a firearm;

“firearm shooting arena” means a space within an approved shooting range that is demarcated by signs and boundaries as the area in which the use of firearms is permitted;

“gun armoury” means an armoury used or designed to store —

(a) guns (but not paintball markers) only; or

(b) guns mentioned in paragraph (a) and ammunition for, gun parts of and gun accessories to any of those guns;

“gun association” has the meaning given by regulation 10(3) of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025;

“gun part” means a major part of a gun;

“gun stores” means all or any of the following stored in an armoury:

(a) any gun;

(b) any gun part;

(c) any gun accessory;

(d) any combination of items mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c);

“grounds” means land in Singapore that has a boundary fence or another structure or feature to mark the boundary of the land;

“holder”, for a range operator licence or venue approval, means the person to whom the range operator licence or venue approval (as the case may be) is granted;

“identification mark”, for any gun, has the meaning given by regulation 2(1) of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025;

“identity particulars” means —

(a) for an individual —

(i) the full name of the individual;

(ii) the number of the individual’s identity card, or of the individual’s passport or work pass if he or she is not a citizen of Singapore; and

(iii) the nationality of the individual; or

(b) for an entity —

(i) the full name of the entity;

(ii) the country where the entity was incorporated or otherwise formed; and

(iii) the Unique Entity Number (UEN) of the entity, where available;

“licensed range operator” means a shooting range operator or paintball range operator holding a range operator licence;

“minimum age”, for an activity an individual is engaging or about to engage in, means the minimum age specified in regulation 20, 21, 22(1) or (2), 23(1) or (2) or 24(1) or (2) for the activity in question;

“officer”, in relation to an entity, means —

(a) where the entity is a body corporate (including a limited liability partnership) —

(i) an individual for the time being holding the office of chairperson, director, partner, chief executive officer, manager or company secretary (as the case may be) of the body corporate or any position analogous to any of those offices; or

(ii) for a corporation whose affairs are managed by its members, any of those members as if the member were a director of the corporation;

(b) where the entity is a partnership (including a limited partnership), a partner of the partnership; or

(c) where the entity is an unincorporated association (other than a partnership), an individual for the time being holding the office of president, secretary or member (as the case may be) of the committee of the unincorporated association, or any position analogous to any of those offices,

and includes any person carrying out the duties of any such office referred to in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) if the office is vacant;

“paintball armoury” means an armoury used or designed to store paintball markers or paintball markers and paintballs, and no other guns;

“paintball game area” means a space within an approved paintball range that is demarcated in accordance with regulation 30 as the area in which the use of paintball markers is permitted in playing a game or other organised activity in which paintball markers are used to discharge paintballs at people or things;

“point of issuance” means —

(a) for an approved shooting range — a place that is part of, or adjacent to, a gun armoury within the approved shooting range where possession of any gun is transferred from the licensed shooting range operator to an individual for use on the approved shooting range; or

(b) for an approved paintball range — a place that is part of, or adjacent to, a paintball armoury within the approved paintball range where possession of any paintball marker is transferred from the licensed paintball range operator to an individual for use on the approved paintball range;

“qualified coach” means an individual who —

(a) is at least 18 years of age; and

(b) is accredited or otherwise approved by any of the following bodies as a coach in connection with any shooting activity using firearms or airguns:

(i) an Auxiliary Police Force created under the Police Force Act 2004;

(ii) the Central Narcotics Bureau;

(iii) the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau;

(iv) the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority;

(v) the Singapore Armed Forces;

(vi) the Singapore Customs;

(vii) the Singapore Police Force;

(viii) the Singapore Prison Service;

(ix) the Special Constabulary constituted under Part 8 of the Police Force Act 2004;

(x) the Singapore Sports Council established under the Singapore Sports Council Act 1973;

“range official”, in relation to a licensed range operator, means an employee or a responsible officer of the licensed range operator who is charged with the duty of ensuring compliance with any applicable requirement in Part 3, 4, 5 or 6;

“range operator licence” means a licence granted under Part 4 of the Act that authorises the holder of the licence —

(a) to carry on business as a shooting range operator at an approved shooting range; or

(b) to carry on business as a paintball range operator at an approved paintball range;

“regulated activity” means operating a shooting range or paintball range;

“safety management plan” has the meaning given by regulation 4;

“secure” means secure from loss, theft, sabotage or unauthorised access;

“security plan” has the meaning given by regulation 5;

“shooting activity” means —

(a) to use a paintball marker to discharge paintballs at things or people;

(b) to use a low-powered airgun to shoot only non‑metallic projectiles at things or people; or

(c) to use a gun to shoot at things (not people) in any of the following circumstances:

(i) a competitive shooting match, shooting training or target practice shooting at a fixed or moving target;

(ii) firearms or airguns safety training;

“shooting arena” means the space within an approved shooting range dedicated for the firing and like use of any firearm or airgun;

“supervise” or “supervision”, in relation to the use of a gun, means to meet the supervision requirement in paragraph (4);

“surveillance requirement” has the meaning given by regulation 3;

“venue approval” means approval granted by a Licensing Officer under these Regulations in respect of any place or premises for use as a shooting range or paintball range;

“watched zone” means any part of a shooting range occupied by a range operator that is prescribed by these Regulations in relation to the range operator to be a watched zone for the purpose of the surveillance requirement;

“working day” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.

(2)  Where the time specified by these Regulations for doing any act expires on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the act is in time if done on the next following day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday.

(3)  If —

(a) a safety management plan;

(b) a security plan;

(c) a layout plan of any place or premises which is or is to be an approved shooting range or approved paintball range,

has been submitted or re-submitted to a Licensing Officer as part of an application for a range operator licence or venue approval, and the requirement for such a plan is not waived under regulation 8(2) or 13(2), then in granting the range operator licence or venue approval, the Licensing Officer is taken to also approve that plan.

(4)  In these Regulations, the supervision requirement in relation to the use of any gun is the requirement that —

(a) an individual being supervised in that use must at all times be in the direct line of sight of the supervisor;

(b) the supervisor must at all times be ready and able to give directions and render immediate assistance to an individual being supervised in that use; and

(c) supervision is at a level that the supervisor reasonably considers to be adequate taking into account relevant factors under paragraph (5).

(5)  The following factors are relevant factors to be taken into account in deciding what is an adequate level of supervision in relation to the use of any gun:

(a) the general competency of the individual being supervised;

(b) the proficiency with the gun of the individual being supervised;

(c) the number of individuals being supervised simultaneously and the number who are actively engaged in shooting;

(d) the effect of the landscape and configuration of the shooting range or paintball range on the ability of the supervisor —

(i) to maintain direct line of sight observation of individuals being supervised; and

(ii) to give directions and render immediate assistance.

Meaning of “surveillance requirement”

3.—(1)  In these Regulations, the surveillance requirement is the requirement that a holder of a range operator licence must —

(a) provide and maintain, in accordance with paragraph (2), an electronic video surveillance system (such as closed‑circuit television (CCTV) or its digital equivalent) as to enable recording of activities taking place at every watched zone of any premises occupied by the holder for the purposes of a shooting range or paintball range;

(b) keep each recording made using the electronic video surveillance system required by this regulation for a period of not less than 31 days after the date the recording is made; and

(c) display a sign at a prominent location immediately outside every entrance to each watched zone of the premises mentioned in sub‑paragraph (a), stating that the zone is under electronic video surveillance.

(2)  The electronic video surveillance system mentioned in paragraph (1) must —

(a) consist of an adequate number of CCTV cameras or other electronic visual monitoring devices installed at suitable locations in or on a watched zone where the field of view of every one of those CCTV cameras or other electronic visual monitoring devices is not obstructed in any way;

(b) be capable of recording colour images —

(i) at the resolution of HD 1080: 1920×1080 pixels or equivalent;

(ii) at 12 frames per second; and

(iii) under low lighting conditions; and

(c) always be in good order and operational.

Meaning of “safety management plan”

4.—(1)  In these Regulations, a “safety management plan” means a document or compilation of documents in English that —

(a) describes the risk management procedures that are proposed to be implemented by an applicant for, or a holder of, a range operator licence in order to manage the hazards and risks to safety associated with the regulated activity to be authorised by the licence;

(b) describes the policies, procedures and practices that are proposed to be implemented by an applicant for, or a holder of, a range operator licence —

(i) to protect people who may be affected by the regulated activity from alarm, death or injury; and

(ii) to protect property from unlawful destruction or damage and otherwise preserve public safety, when the regulated activity is carried on; and

(c) requires the keeping of records which are sufficient to allow a Licensing Officer or an authorised officer to assess whether the safety management plan has been complied with.

(2)  Without limiting paragraph (1), a safety management plan must contain the following:

(a) details of the policies, procedures and practices established by an applicant for, or a holder, of a range operator licence, for each matter set out in the First Schedule as is applicable to the regulated activity to be authorised by the licence;

(b) an assessment of the risks associated with the shooting activities of people on each shooting range or paintball range covered by the plan;

(c) an emergency response plan to manage risk to the safety and health of people in an emergency event;

(d) the internal policies, procedures and controls established by the applicant for, or the holder of, a range operator licence over the regulated activity so as to monitor and ensure the compliance by that applicant or holder, and the employees or workers of that applicant or holder, with —

(i) the requirements of the Act and these Regulations with respect to the regulated activity;

(ii) the conditions of the range operator licence applied for, if granted or granted, as the case may be;

(iii) any requirement of any applicable standard; and

(iv) the safety management plan approved by the Licensing Officer.

Meaning of “security plan”

5.—(1)  In these Regulations, a “security plan” means a document or compilation of documents in English that —

(a) identifies the security risks that may arise from the regulated activity to be authorised by a range operator licence;

(b) describes the details of the facilities, systems and procedures proposed to be implemented by an applicant for, or a holder of, a range operator licence —

(i) to deal with the identified security risks associated with the regulated activity to be authorised by the licence, which may, where appropriate, include the deployment of auxiliary police officers to patrol or guard property while armed with firearms;

(ii) to ensure the secure possession and handling of any gun when operating a shooting range or paintball range, which may, where appropriate, include screening of individuals seeking entry into or leaving the shooting range or paintball range; and

(iii) to —

(A) detect any unauthorised entry into the shooting range or paintball range by any means, including the breakage of any glass door, or glass window, of those premises;

(B) detect movement within those premises by way of a microwave, passive infrared, ultrasonic or other similar detection system; and

(C) instantly activate an externally visible alarm warning light and a loud siren in and outside the shooting range or paintball range, and a remote alarm monitored by a security service; and

(c) requires the keeping of records which are sufficient to allow a Licensing Officer or an authorised officer to assess whether the security plan has been complied with.

(2)  In paragraph (1)(b) —

“screening” means —

(a) a search of an individual, or of any property in the individual’s possession, by means of an equipment that is designed to carry out the search without touching the individual or the individual’s property, as the case may be;

(b) a frisk search of an individual conducted by quickly running the hands over the individual’s outer clothing, and an examination of anything worn or carried by the individual that is conveniently and voluntarily removed by the individual; or

(c) a physical search of any personal property in the individual’s possession, not being clothing worn by the individual;

“security service” means a holder of a security service provider’s licence granted under the Private Security Industry Act 2007.

PART 2

LICENCES AND APPROVALS

Division 1 — Range operator licence

How to apply

6.  An application for or to renew a range operator licence must be made in a form approved by a Licensing Officer and be made in one of the following ways:

(a) by using the electronic system called “GoBusiness”;

(b) in the case of a malfunction or failure of the electronic system in paragraph (a) or other exceptional circumstances —

(i) in person at the office of the Licensing Officer at 391 New Bridge Road, Block D #02‑701, Singapore 088762 on a working day during its business hours; or

(ii) by sending an email to the email address at [email protected].

When to apply

7.—(1)  An application for (but not to renew) a range operator licence must be made at least 60 days before the shooting range or paintball range to which the application relates opens for business.

(2)  For the purposes of section 50(3) of the Act, an application to renew a range operator licence must be made at least 30 days before the date of expiry of the range operator licence.

What is needed in application

8.—(1)  For the purposes of section 50(2)(b) and (d) of the Act, every application for a range operator licence must be accompanied by the following:

(a) the appropriate application fee specified in the Second Schedule;

(b) the identity particulars, telephone number, email address and contact address of the applicant;

(c) the address of every shooting range or paintball range at which the applicant carries on or is to carry on business as a shooting range operator or a paintball range operator, as the case may be;

(d) the full name and contact address of at least one person in Singapore who is authorised by the applicant to accept on the applicant’s behalf service of notices and other documents under the Act with respect to the regulated activity which is the subject of the application;

(e) the following details of every individual who is proposed to be charged by the applicant to control the shooting activities of people on each shooting range or paintball range named in the application:

(i) his or her identity particulars, telephone number and contact address;

(ii) his or her position in the operations of the applicant with respect to the applicant’s business as a shooting range operator or a paintball range operator;

(iii) his or her security clearance if the individual is a special worker or responsible executive;

(f) a safety management plan and a security plan established by the applicant in relation to the carrying out of the regulated activity which is the subject of the application;

(g) a current and adequate public liability insurance covering activities which may take place on each shooting range or paintball range named in the application;

(h) the types and number of guns or paintball markers (as the case may be) stored or to be stored by, or in or to be in the possession of, the applicant with respect to —

(i) the applicant’s business of carrying on business as a shooting range operator or a paintball range operator; and

(ii) any other business or purpose by the applicant, if any;

(i) if the applicant is a gun association —

(i) the number of members and active members;

(ii) the constitution of the gun association;

(iii) the minutes or records of its meetings and activities in the 12 months before the date of the application; and

(iv) any affiliation, during the 12 months before the date of the application, with any other gun association in Singapore or outside;

(j) documents and other evidence of the information mentioned in sub‑paragraphs (a) to (i);

(k) any other information that the Licensing Officer specifies he or she requires to decide the application, and documents and other evidence of that other information.

(2)  However, the Licensing Officer may in any particular case and if satisfied that it is just and equitable, waive any requirement mentioned in paragraph (1).

(3)  A Licensing Officer may require an applicant to amend and re‑submit a safety management plan or security plan required by paragraph (1)(f), for the purpose of assessing the application by the applicant.

Other accompanying applications

9.  An application for a range operator licence may be accompanied by all or any of the following:

(a) an application under Division 2 for venue approval of any place or premises stated under regulation 8(1)(c) with respect to the application for or to renew the range operator licence;

(b) an application under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Guns) Regulations 2025 for a licence to store paintball markers, or guns (other than paintball markers) and gun parts of and gun accessories to those guns (if any), whether or not in connection with carrying on business as a shooting range operator or a paintball range operator;

(c) an application under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (Explosives and Explosive Precursors) Regulations 2025 (G.N. No. S 374/2025) to store ammunition for firearms, if used in connection with carrying on the business as a shooting range operator.

Division 2 — Venue approval

How to apply for venue approval

10.  Regulation 6 applies, with the necessary modifications, to an application for a venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range.

Who to apply for venue approval

11.  An application for a venue approval of any place or premises must be made by an applicant who —

(a) owns or lawfully occupies the place or premises; and

(b) is —

(i) a holder of a current range operator licence appropriate to the venue approval applied for;

(ii) an applicant for the range operator licence appropriate to the venue approval applied for; or

(iii) a class licensee authorised under Part 3 of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control (School Use — Class Licence) Order 2025 (G.N. No. S 364/2025) to operate a shooting range situated within a school.

When to apply for venue approval

12.—(1)  An application for (but not to renew) a venue approval of any place or premises must be made at least 60 days before the place or premises first opens for use as a shooting range or paintball range.

(2)  For the purposes of section 50(3) of the Act, an application to renew the venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range must be made at least 30 days before the date of expiry of the last venue approval for the place or premises.

What information needed in application for venue approval

13.—(1)  Every application for a venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range must be accompanied by the following:

(a) the appropriate application fee specified in the Second Schedule;

(b) the identity particulars, telephone number, email address and contact address of the applicant;

(c) the address of the place or premises which is to be an approved shooting range or approved paintball range, and a map showing the location of that range;

(d) a statement from the owner of the place or premises mentioned in sub‑paragraph (c) —

(i) permitting the applicant to occupy and operate the shooting range or paintball range on the place or premises if the applicant is not the owner; and

(ii) acknowledging compliance with the requirements of the Planning Act 1998 relating to use of the land as a shooting range or paintball range, as the case may be;

(e) the layout plan or plans of the place or premises mentioned in sub‑paragraph (c), indicating —

(i) the boundaries of the place or premises, including any grounds the shooting range or paintball range is located in and every gate and outer wall, fence or other structure or feature that marks the boundary of those grounds;

(ii) the shooting arena or paintball game area, as the case may be;

(iii) every point of issuance;

(iv) all entrances to and exits from the place or premises and the shooting arena or paintball game area;

(v) the types of access controls at each entrance and exit mentioned in sub‑paragraph (iv), where applicable; and

(vi) the location of every gun armoury or paintball armoury within the place or premises;

(f) the maximum quantity of every type of gun, gun part and gun accessory, and of ammunition, respectively, stored or to be stored by, or in or to be in the possession of, the applicant with respect to the applicant’s business as a shooting range operator or a paintball range operator;

(g) a description of the construction, facilities and equipment in the place or premises mentioned in sub‑paragraph (c);

(h) a safety management plan and security plan established by the applicant in relation to the carrying out of the regulated activity in the place or premises mentioned in sub‑paragraph (c), if these have not been provided in an accompanying application for a range operator licence;

(i) the following details of every individual who is proposed to be charged by the applicant to control the activities of people on the place or premises when used as a shooting range or paintball range:

(i) his or her identity particulars, telephone number and contact address;

(ii) his or her position in the operations of the applicant as a shooting range operator or paintball range operator;

(iii) his or her security clearance if the individual is a special worker or responsible executive;

(j) documents and other evidence of the information mentioned in sub‑paragraphs (a) to (i);

(k) any other information that the Licensing Officer specifies he or she requires to decide the application, and documents and other evidence of that other information.

(2)  However, the Licensing Officer may, in any particular case and if satisfied that it is just and equitable, waive any requirement mentioned in paragraph (1).

(3)  A Licensing Officer may require an applicant to amend and re‑submit the layout plan, or the safety management plan or security plan, required by paragraph (1)(e) or (h) (as the case may be) for the purpose of assessing the application by the applicant.

Inspection of place or premises

14.  On receiving an application for a venue approval of any place or premises, the Licensing Officer may carry out, or require the applicant to arrange to be carried out within a time specified, an inspection of the place or premises and the construction and equipment of the shooting range or paintball range.

Deciding on application for venue approval

15.—(1)  A Licensing Officer may grant a venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range as follows, subject to any conditions that may be specified in that venue approval:

(a) venue approval for use as an approved shooting range with a firearm shooting arena for shooting activities using firearms;

(b) venue approval for use as an approved shooting range with an airgun shooting arena for shooting activities using airguns;

(c) venue approval for use as an approved shooting range with both a firearm shooting arena and an airgun shooting arena;

(d) venue approval for use as a paintball range for the recreational shooting of paintball markers;

(e) venue approval for use as an approved shooting range without a firearm shooting arena, and as a paintball range.

(2)  However, the Licensing Officer may refuse to grant (on renewal or otherwise) a venue approval of any place or premises if —

(a) the application for the venue approval is incomplete or not made in accordance with regulation 10, 11, 12 or 13;

(b) the Licensing Officer reasonably believes that information given in the application for the venue approval or any supporting evidence in relation to the application is false or misleading;

(c) the Licensing Officer has sought further information or supporting evidence in relation to the application for the venue approval and the information or evidence has not been given to the Licensing Officer;

(d) the applicant, without reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to arrange to be carried out an inspection of the place or premises as required under regulation 14;

(e) the Licensing Officer has evidence of the likely exercise of any power under section 66 of the Act in relation to the applicant;

(f) the applicant is not a holder of a current range operator licence appropriate to the venue approval applied for; or

(g) the site of the proposed shooting range or paintball range is unsuitable because of its proximity to an airport, a port, a railway station or other similar place, or to a densely populated area, where there is an overriding need to avoid any risk of an occurrence that endangers or threatens to endanger the safety of the public.

Validity and transferability of venue approval

16.—(1)  Every venue approval granted is in force for the period specified in the approval unless it is —

(a) earlier cancelled or suspended under regulation 17; or

(b) provisionally suspended under regulation 18.

(2)  A venue approval is not transferable or assignable to any other person unless —

(a) the venue approval contains a condition authorising the transfer or assignment; and

(b) a Licensing Officer consents in writing to the transfer or assignment.

(3)  Any consent under paragraph (2) may be given subject to compliance with any conditions that the Licensing Officer thinks fit to impose, which may include conditions modifying, or requiring or otherwise providing for the making of modifications to, the conditions of the venue approval.

(4)  A transfer or an assignment, or purported transfer or assignment, of any venue approval is void and of no effect —

(a) if the venue approval is not capable of transfer or assignment;

(b) if the transfer or assignment, or purported transfer or assignment, is in breach of a condition of the venue approval; or

(c) if there has, before the transfer or assignment or purported transfer or assignment, been a contravention of a condition subject to compliance with which the consent required by paragraph (2) is given.

Manner of cancelling, etc., venue approval

17.—(1)  Subject to paragraphs (3), (4) and (5), a Licensing Officer may (without any compensation) cancel the venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range if the Licensing Officer is satisfied that —

(a) the holder of a range operator licence granted the venue approval, is contravening or not complying with or has contravened or failed to comply with —

(i) any of the conditions of the venue approval;

(ii) any requirement of any applicable standard as the standard applies to the holder with respect to the shooting range or paintball range, as the case may be; or

(iii) any security direction given to the holder under section 64 of the Act in relation to the approved shooting range or approved paintball range;

(b) the holder of a range operator licence granted the venue approval is not operating a shooting range or paintball range at the approved shooting range or approved paintball range (as the case may be) in a safe or secure manner;

(c) the venue approval had been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation;

(d) the holder of a range operator licence to whom the venue approval is granted ceases to be the holder of a current range operator licence;

(e) the site of the shooting range or paintball range has become unsuitable because of its proximity to an airport, a port, a railway station or other similar place, or to a densely populated area, where there is an overriding need to avoid any risk of an occurrence that endangers or threatens to endanger the safety of the public; or

(f) the national security or public interest of Singapore requires the cancellation.

(2)  However, a Licensing Officer may, in lieu of cancelling a venue approval of any place or premises as an approved shooting range or approved paintball range, do any one or more of the following (without compensation):

(a) censure in writing the holder of a range operator licence granted the venue approval;

(b) direct the holder of a range operator licence granted the venue approval to do, or to refrain from doing, such things as are specified in a direction to rectify any contravention or non-compliance mentioned in paragraph (1)(a);

(c) suspend the venue approval for not more than 6 months.

(3)  Before exercising any powers under paragraph (1) or (2), a Licensing Officer must give written notice to the holder of a range operator licence concerned —

(a) stating that the Licensing Officer intends to decide under this regulation and the nature of the decision; and

(b) specifying the time (being not less than 14 days after the date of service of the notice on the holder) within which written representations may be made to the Licensing Officer with respect to the proposed decision.

(4)  The Licensing Officer may, after considering any written representation made pursuant to paragraph (3)(b), decide whether or not to exercise any power under paragraph (1) or (2) as the Licensing Officer considers appropriate.

(5)  The Licensing Officer must serve on the holder of a range operator licence concerned a written notice of his or her decision under paragraph (4), and if the decision is to cancel or suspend the venue approval, the written notice must —

(a) state that the Licensing Officer cancels or suspends (as the case may be) the venue approval and —

(i) the date the cancellation takes effect; or

(ii) the dates the suspension starts to take effect and ends; and

(b) specify each ground for the cancellation or suspension, as the case may be.

Provisional suspension to avoid imminent danger, etc.

18.—(1)  Subject to paragraph (5), where a Licensing Officer —

(a) becomes aware of any of the following occurring in an approved shooting range or approved paintball range:

(i) a defined incident;

(ii) any theft, or any loss, of any gun stores or ammunition;

(b) has reasonable grounds to believe that the occurrence mentioned in sub‑paragraph (a) results in an actual or imminent situation that endangers or threatens to endanger people within the approved shooting range or approved paintball range; and

(c) is satisfied that it is appropriate or requisite to exercise powers under this regulation,

the Licensing Officer may, instead of taking any decision under regulation 17, give the holder of a range operator licence to whom the venue approval is granted (according to the circumstances of the case) a provisional suspension order directing the closing of the approved shooting range or approved paintball range with effect from such time, being the earliest practicable time, as is determined by or under the provisional suspension order.

(2)  A provisional suspension order —

(a) is to take effect at such time, being the earliest practicable time, as is determined by or under the provisional suspension order;

(b) which, if not previously confirmed in accordance with paragraph (6), ceases to have effect at the end of any period (not exceeding 30 days) that is determined by or under the provisional suspension order; and

(c) may be revoked at any time by the Licensing Officer who made it.

(3)  To avoid doubt, a holder of a range operator licence may be given a provisional suspension order regardless of —

(a) any contravention of any condition of the range operator licence or the venue approval relating to that approved shooting range or approved paintball range; or

(b) the commission of any offence under section 36 of the Act.

(4)  Subject to paragraphs (5), (6) and (7), a Licensing Officer may, by written notice, confirm a provisional suspension order in relation to an approved shooting range or approved paintball range, with or without modifications, if —

(a) the Licensing Officer is satisfied that the holder of a range operator licence concerned has contravened or failed to comply with, or is likely to contravene or fail to comply with —

(i) any of the conditions of the venue approval granted to the holder in respect of the shooting range or paintball range, as the case may be; or

(ii) any requirement of any applicable standard as the standard applies to the holder with respect to the shooting range or paintball range, as the case may be; and

(b) the direction in the provisional suspension order (with any modifications) is requisite for the purpose of securing compliance with that condition or requirement.

(5)  However, the Licensing Officer must not confirm a provisional suspension order relating to an approved shooting range or approved paintball range if he or she is satisfied —

(a) that the holder of a range operator licence concerned has agreed to take, and is taking, all such steps as it appears to the Licensing Officer for the time being to be appropriate for the holder to take for the purpose of securing or facilitating compliance with the condition or requirement mentioned in paragraph (4)(a) in question; or

(b) that the contravention or non‑compliance was, or the apprehended contravention or non‑compliance is, of a trivial nature.

(6)  Before a Licensing Officer confirms a provisional suspension order, the Licensing Officer must give notice to the holder of a range operator licence concerned —

(a) stating that the Licensing Officer proposes to confirm the provisional suspension order and setting out its effect;

(b) setting out the acts or omissions or other facts which, in the Licensing Officer’s opinion, justify the confirmation of the provisional suspension order; and

(c) specifying the period (being at least 14 days after the date of service of the notice on the holder) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed confirmation may be made,

and must consider any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

(7)  A Licensing Officer must not confirm a provisional suspension order with modifications except —

(a) with the consent of the holder of a range operator licence concerned; or

(b) after —

(i) serving on that holder a notice of the proposal to confirm the provisional suspension order with modifications and in that notice, specifying the period (being at least 14 days after the date of service of the notice) within which representations or objections with respect to the proposed modifications may be made; and

(ii) considering any representations or objections which are duly made and not withdrawn.

Appeals

19.  Sections 76 and 77 of the Act apply with respect to —

(a) a decision of a Licensing Officer under regulation 17(1) or (2); or

(b) a decision of a Licensing Officer under regulation 18(4) confirming a provisional suspension order,

as if the decision were an appealable decision for the purposes of Part 7 of the Act.

PART 3

MINIMUM AGE OF PARTICIPANTS AT RANGE

Minimum age of paintball range participants

20.  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved paintball range must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child at the approved paintball range who is below 14 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a paintball marker; or

(b) to enter the paintball game area of the approved paintball range.

Minimum age of shooting range participants using firearms

21.  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range with a firearm shooting arena must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child at the approved shooting range who is below 12 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a firearm; or

(b) to enter the firearm shooting arena of the approved shooting range.

Minimum age of shooting range participants using airguns

22.—(1)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range with an airgun shooting arena must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child at the approved shooting range who is below 10 years of age —

(a) to possess or use an airgun; or

(b) to enter the airgun shooting arena of the approved shooting range.

(2)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range with an airgun shooting arena must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child at the approved shooting range who is below 14 years of age —

(a) to possess or use an airgun; or

(b) to enter the airgun shooting arena of the approved shooting range,

to engage in any shooting activity that involves firing or like use of an airgun to shoot at people.

Minimum ages for unsupervised shooting activity

23.—(1)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range with a firearm shooting arena must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child or young person at the approved shooting range who is 12 years of age or older but below 18 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a gun; or

(b) to enter the firearm shooting arena of the approved shooting range,

unless the child or young person is engaged in any shooting activity in the firearm shooting arena of the approved shooting range under the direct supervision of a qualified coach.

(2)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range with an airgun shooting arena must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child or young person at the approved shooting range who is 10 years of age or older but below 18 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a gun; or

(b) to enter the airgun shooting arena of the approved shooting range,

unless the child or young person is engaged in any shooting activity in the airgun shooting arena of the approved shooting range under the direct supervision of a qualified coach or a special worker of the licensed shooting range operator.

Parental consent needed for all participants below 18

24.—(1)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved paintball range must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child or young person at the approved paintball range who is below 18 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a paintball marker; or

(b) to enter the paintball game area of the approved paintball range,

knowing that, or reckless as to whether, an individual having parental control over the child or young person has not given or does not give written consent for the child or young person to do so.

(2)  A holder of a range operator licence having charge and control of an approved shooting range must not intentionally or negligently cause or allow a child or young person at the approved shooting range who is below 18 years of age —

(a) to possess or use a gun; or

(b) to enter the shooting arena of the approved shooting range,

knowing that, or reckless as to whether, an individual having parental control over the child or young person has not given or does not give written consent to the child or young person to do so.

(3)  To avoid doubt, this regulation does not limit regulations 20, 21, 22 and 23.

 

Made on 21 May 2025.

PANG KIN KEONG

Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
Singapore.

[112/2/029; AG/LEGIS/SL/121C/2020/7]

(To be presented to Parliament under section 92 of the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021).