Legislation that will allow private clubs to open in Cyprus, offering indoor and outdoor firing facilities for a range of weaponry enthusiasts, from bows and arrows to heavy firearms, is just a shot away from being approved by the House.

The law, if passed, will provide for 11 different categories of shooting clubs, catering for archery and firearms, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, long-barrelled guns and air guns.

On Thursday, the House interior committee will discuss the final wording of the bill and decide on the date it will be forwarded to the plenary.

The bill had been approved by the cabinet in 2019 to allow for Olympic shooting disciplines to be practiced in Cyprus, since current legislation prohibited the possession and use of various types of firearms.

Over the past few years, there has been an interest in investing in private shooting clubs, which could be used as training facilities by Cypriot and foreign athletes, Politis newspaper reported.

Passing the bill would regulate the transportation of firearms to and from shooting ranges, the operation of clubs, the storage of ammunition and rental firearms, safety and technical specifications, organising games, staff qualifications, shooting academies, selling of firearms at the clubs and the responsibilities and qualifications of gunsmiths.

The bill stipulates that privately owned clubs should be located at least 1km from residential areas. Indoor facilities should be soundproof and outdoor ones should not cause any disturbance in the area.

Licences will be issued for two years and will cost €100 to €2,500.

Individuals or legal entities could apply for a licence, on condition that people were over the age of 21, had not been convicted for a range of crimes from murder to drugs, were mentally stable, had completed their military service and had not been banned from carrying a firearm in Cyprus or abroad.