There is currently the possibility for security authorities to issue weapons ban zones in certain places – this is currently the case at the Vienna Praterstern and in two zones in Innsbruck.
“Protect people”
The aim of the proposed law is to generally prohibit the carrying of weapons outside of living spaces in the future – and to generally include certain types of knives in this ban. One-hand knives or knives with a specific blade length were mentioned as examples. “The goal is clear: to protect people from danger and to take violent criminals out of circulation through efficient police powers,” Karner was quoted as saying.
Exceptions provided
Exceptions are made for Austrian customs, such as hunting or practicing certain professions, as well as transport after purchase. “The aim is not, for example, to make it a criminal offense to carry a ‘snack knife’ such as a ‘Swiss knife’ while hiking,” the BMI clarified. Pepper sprays used for self-defense will also not be subject to the ban. Comparable legal regulations already exist in Germany and Italy, for example.
