A Salutory Tale and Warning

[Kungfugerbil]

I'll be the one to say "that looks pretty sensible", provided it's interpreted correctly by the GPs

Yep, I would second that opinion. The section on first discussing their concerns with the applicant and ultimately suggesting they withdraw their application if the concerns persist is pragmatic too.

[sharps4065]

Trying this for the BMA doxument...

http://i1027.photobucket.com/albums/y33 ... okimke.jpg

I'll be the one to say "that looks pretty sensible", provided it's interpreted correctly by the GPs (especially the "notify police if GP objects to firearms ownership").

..."provided it's interpreted correctly by the GPs"

And therein lies the rub!

[channel12]

I have kept copies of my renewals dating back to 1980's and I noted that the application form changed over the period. The form I used in 202 was the first one that asked me for the name and address of my GP, my consent for the police to contact them and to declare previous or current "mental" health issues.

So contacting the applicants GP isn't new and in the above case either the GP was being super zealous or the GP had been treating the applicant previously for some drink problems.

And are going to admit to friends and family your application was refused because you are an alcoholic?

[sharps4065]

I have kept copies of my renewals dating back to 1980's and I noted that the application form changed over the period. The form I used in 202 was the first one that asked me for the name and address of my GP, my consent for the police to contact them and to declare previous or current "mental" health issues.

So contacting the applicants GP isn't new and in the above case either the GP was being super zealous or the GP had been treating the applicant previously for some drink problems.

And are going to admit to friends and family your application was refused because you are an alcoholic?

Q.E.D. the GP was being super zealous - or biased, and this is where the process is wrong

[zanes]

I have kept copies of my renewals dating back to 1980's and I noted that the application form changed over the period. The form I used in 202 was the first one that asked me for the name and address of my GP, my consent for the police to contact them and to declare previous or current "mental" health issues.

So contacting the applicants GP isn't new and in the above case either the GP was being super zealous or the GP had been treating the applicant previously for some drink problems.

And are going to admit to friends and family your application was refused because you are an alcoholic?

Q.E.D. the GP was being super zealous - or biased, and this is where the process is wrong

As above, the GP doesn't decide whether to grant or refuse.

This should be an easy appeal for the person in question. Is he a member of BASC?

[sharps4065]

No, the GP doesn't decide to grant or refuse however the GP's opinion is obviously referred otherwise why ask them? And we have to pay for it!

And in this case it would seem the GP's report HAS been acted upon.

I have no idea if he's a member of BASC. As a first time applicant I seriously doubt it.

[bigfathairybiker]

The GP is NOT asked for an opinion.
It specifically says in the letter to the GP, NOT to express opinion.

When I get home, I'll dig out a copy.


Mark

[sharps4065]

This is all getting very pedantic.....

Bottom line is as was reported to me by my Club Secretary (who I have no reason to doubt) a member's son was refused an SGC by his Police Authority because his drinking exceeded HO guidlines after telling his Doctor he drank a couple of pints every night.

Now we can argue who said what, who's advises who, who's written what until we're all blue in the face but it's one nail in the shooting coffin.

[bigfathairybiker]

Actually it is not another nail.
It actually means the police did their job and stopped someone obtaining a SGC who, by the guidelines set out, should not have one.

If it was unfairly done then that applicant has the right to an appeal.
If he doesnt appeal then I suspect there is more going on than said.

The club sec is probably only passing on what he was told. And he may not have been told the whole truth.

There is a reason why heresay is not accepted in court. And I have heard far too much to start accepting it as the truth.

Sorry but I have become a right grumpy old bugger in the past few years.... Wish I was young and nieve again. :)



Mark

[DL.]

I call bull s hit.

I'm of the opinion that -

A. The licensing authority wanted to tweak their statistics of applications refused in order to be seen to be looking like they were doing their job.

B. They wouldn't celebrate an ex member of the armed forces for their service to the country, but rather treat them with suspicion about being a potential victim of PTSD.

Cynic? Me?!