(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AIR GUN. Any gun, rifle, or pistol, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of compressed air or gas, or by the action of a spring or elastic, but does not mean a firearm.
DEALER. Any person engaged in the business of selling at retail or renting any of the articles designated in the preceding section.
SLINGSHOT. Any instrument of wood or other material and rubber, metal spring, or other elastic material, designed, intended to, or capable of propelling shot, stone, or other missiles of any substance whatsoever
(2005 Code, § 101.001)
(B) Selling or giving to person under 16.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any dealer to sell, lend, rent, give, or otherwise transfer any air gun, slingshot, or bow and arrow to any person under the age of 16 years, where the dealer knows or has reasonable cause to believe the person could be under 16 years of age, or where such dealer has failed to make reasonable inquiry relative to the age of such person and such person is under 16 years of age.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to give, lend, or otherwise transfer any air gun, slingshot or bow and arrow to any person under 16 years of age, except where the relationship of parent and child, guardian, and ward, or adult instructor and pupil exists between such person and the person under 16 years of age.
(2005 Code, § 101.002)
(C) Lawful possession by person under 16.
(1) Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this division (C) or any other provisions of this section, it shall be lawful for any person under 16 years of age to have in his or her possession an air gun, slingshot or bow and arrow if the said article is:
(a) Kept within his or her domicile;
(b) Used by the person under 16 years of age and he or she is a duly enrolled member of any club, team, or society organized for educational purposes and maintaining as part of its facilities or having written permission to use an indoor or outdoor rifle range or other safe area, to possess, load, and fire in such a place under the supervision, guidance, and instruction of a responsible adult; or
(c) Used in or on any private grounds or residence under circumstances when such air gun, slingshot, or bow and arrow can be fired, discharged, or operated in such a manner as not to endanger person or property and also in such a manner as to prevent the projectile from traversing or landing upon any grounds or space outside the limits of such permitted area or residence.
(2005 Code, § 101.003)
(D) Unlawful possession by person under 16; unlawful discharge.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person under 16 years of age to carry any air gun, slingshot, or bow and arrow on the streets, alleys, public roads, or public lands within the village unless accompanied by an adult, provided, however, that said person under 16 years of age may carry such air gun, unloaded, or slingshot or bow and arrow in a suitable case or suitably wrapped.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any air gun, slingshot, or bow and arrow from or across any street, sidewalk, alley, or public land, or any public place, except on a properly constructed target range.
(2005 Code, § 101.004)
(E) Shooting range. The Village Marshal may approve or designate a range or area in and upon which air guns, slingshots, or bows and arrows may be used, provided, however, he or she or the village or both, shall not be responsible for death, injury, or property damage resulting from the use of any such range or areas.
(2005 Code, § 101.005)
(F) Parental liability. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to relieve any parent from the civil liability limited to actual damages in an amount not to exceed $300 for the malicious or willful destruction of property by any minor under the age of 18 years, imposed by Public Act 45 of 1953, as amended, being M.C.L.A. §§ 692.661 and 692.662.
(2005 Code, § 101.007)
(G) Effective date. This section shall become operative and effective 20 days after publication thereof.
(2005 Code, § 101.008)
(Ord. 4-59, passed 7-13-1959) Penalty, see § 130.99