Can You Discharge a Firearm in London - City Law

Public Safety England 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

In London, England the public discharge of a firearm is governed primarily by national firearms legislation and local police licensing and enforcement. The Firearms Act and associated regulations set out criminal offences for possession, use and discharge; local policing and licensing units administer certificates and investigate incidents. For the statutory text and offences see the Firearms Act 1968 and amendments.legislation.gov.uk[1]

If you see someone discharging a firearm in public, call 999 immediately.

Penalties & Enforcement

Who enforces the rules and what sanctions apply depends on the nature of the act. Criminal offences such as unlawful possession, reckless discharge or causing injury are prosecuted under the Firearms Act framework; licensing and civil compliance are handled by local police firearms licensing teams. For local licensing administration and how the Metropolitan Police handle certificates and compliance, see the MPS firearms licensing guidance.Metropolitan Police[2]

Local councils do not create separate criminal firearm offences; criminal sanctions come from national law enforced by police.
  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Criminal sanctions and imprisonment: see the Firearms Act 1968 and amendments for offence descriptions and penalties.[1]
  • Enforcement agency: Metropolitan Police Service firearms licensing and local policing teams for Greater London; City of London Police within the Square Mile.[2]
  • How to report: call 999 for in-progress incidents and contact the local firearms licensing unit for non-urgent reports via police advice pages.[2]
  • Appeals and reviews: licence refusals or revocations are subject to internal review and appeal routes specified by the issuing police force; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Firearm and shotgun certificates are applied for through the local police force; GOV.UK explains application steps, required documents and where to submit applications online or by post.Apply for a firearm or shotgun certificate[3]

  • Application form: as directed by the local police firearms licensing unit and GOV.UK guidance.[3]
  • Fees: fee information is provided on the application guidance; specific local fees may vary and are published by the issuing police force.[3]
  • Deadlines and renewals: follow the certificate expiry and renewal process set out by the issuing police force; details are published with the application guidance.[3]

Common Violations

  • Unlawful discharge in a public place — typically leads to criminal investigation and prosecution under national law.
  • Pursuing possession without a valid certificate — enforcement action and potential seizure.
  • Failing to secure firearms as required by licence conditions — compliance notices or licence review.
Licences and enforcement are managed by police forces, not by borough councils.

Action Steps

  • Immediate danger: call 999 and report the discharge with location and description.
  • To apply for a certificate: follow GOV.UK application steps and submit to your local police firearms licensing unit.[3]
  • To challenge a licence decision: contact the issuing police force for review procedures and listed appeal routes.

FAQ

Is it legal to discharge a firearm inside London city limits?
No, not in public places unless you have a lawful reason and an appropriate certificate or exemption under the Firearms Act; police enforce offences under national law.[1]
Who issues firearm and shotgun certificates in London?
Certificates are issued and managed by the local police firearms licensing unit for your area, such as the Metropolitan Police Service in Greater London.[2]
How do I report an illegal discharge?
If the incident is happening now call 999; for non-urgent reports contact your local police firearms licensing team via the police advice pages.[2]

How-To

  1. Call 999 immediately for any ongoing discharge or threat to life.
  2. Note location, time, descriptions and evidence (photos only if safe) and submit details to local police or via non-emergency channels.
  3. To apply for a lawful certificate, follow the GOV.UK guidance and submit your application to the local firearms licensing unit.[3]
  4. If a licence is refused or revoked, request review details from the issuing police force and follow the appeal route they provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Discharging firearms in public is governed by national law and enforced by police, not by borough bylaws.
  • Apply for certificates through the local police firearms licensing unit following GOV.UK steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Legislation.gov.uk - Firearms Act 1968 (contents)
  2. [2] Metropolitan Police - Firearms Licensing
  3. [3] GOV.UK - Apply for a firearm or shotgun certificate

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