Exemptions to 'rule of six' cover shooting and other rural activities

The 'COVID safe principles for game shoots' has been further updated in light of recent localised lockdowns, the need for shoots to comply with any additional restrictions that may be in place on the day of the shoot as a result of such a lockdown, and to provide further guidance on the provision of shoot lunches and refreshments. This can be read here.

The document had previously been updated to reflect the changes to legislation that affect shooting which came into effect on 14th September, followignt the Government's announcement of the exemptions to the rule of six for England which covered shooting.

• Any outdoor physical activity for which a licence has been issued by a public body for the activity itself, or for equipment used during the activity, will be exempt from the gathering limits.
• For shooting, this means that where the organiser or a participant holds a valid shotgun or firearms certificate, there is no limit to the number of people who can gather for the purpose of the relevant activity whilst outdoors.
• The organiser will be required to have undertaken a health and safety risk assessment and put in place all reasonable measures to limit transmission of COVID-19.
• The exemption does not apply indoors where the gathering limit of six people will still apply.
• Employees, such as beaters, pickers-up and loaders are also exempt from gathering limits, both indoors and outdoors, where their gathering is necessary for work purposes.