Use of a paintball marker at a place other than an authorised venue

When an authorisation is needed

In NSW, you need a paintball marker permit to purchase and own a paintball marker. This permit does not allow you to use the paintball marker outside an authorised venue.

To use a paintball marker outside an authorised venue, you must obtain authorisation from NSW Fair Trading.

The authorisation will allow you to use a paintball marker at a place other than an authorised venue for a limited period and subject to any specific conditions as the Commissioner may decide to impose. Once your authorisation expires, you will need to apply for a new authorisation.

An authorisation will generally only be granted in circumstances where the use would serve the public interest and present very little risk to public safety. An example might be where the proposed use is for the purpose of conducting research on safety equipment.

NSW Fair Trading will consider:

• the proposed activity to be undertaken outside of an authorised venue
• the suitability of the proposed venue
• whether the applicant has approval to undertake the proposed use at the venue (for example, from the property owner or local council)
• whether the proposed use can be accommodated by an authorised venue
• whether the proposed use would pose a risk to public safety
• whether the proposed use is in the public interest, and
• any other factors the Commissioner is required to consider under the Regulation.

Where the use of the paintball marker involves more than one person, each person must obtain their own authorisation.

Eligibility

Who can apply

NSW paintball marker permit holders.

Apply for an authorisation

What you need

Before you begin your application for an authorisation, make sure you have:

• your contact details
• your paintball marker permit number
• approval from the property owner or local council
• payment for the authorisation fee.

How to apply

To apply for an authorisation:

• email FTlicensing@customerservice.nsw.gov.au, requesting an application form
• you will be contacted by an assessing officer from NSW Fair Trading to determine your eligibility to apply for an authorisation
• if you are eligible to apply for an authorisation, the assessing officer will email you an application form to complete
• email the completed application form and supporting documents to FTlicensing@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.

If you answered yes to any questions in the ’disclosure’ section of your application form, you'll also need to complete the Paintball Permit Additional Details form.

Review application

Your application will be reviewed and assessed to check it meets the eligibility requirements.

We might contact you (by email or SMS) if we need more information.

If we need to request additional information, the processing time will increase. So, it is important that you submit all required information and documents with your original application.

You will receive an email if your application is successful

We will send an email to advise you if your application has been successful.

If your application is successful, the email will include a copy of your authorisation.

If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll be advised of the reasons in writing and provided with your options.

Unsuccessful applications

You can apply for a review.

A review involves another officer from NSW Fair Trading, who was not involved in the original decision, reviewing the decision made in relation to your application.

For more information about the process, see Reviews of Fair Trading decisions.

Ask a question

If you need help with your application or have a question, please call 13 32 20.