Under consideration PE2232: Ban beehives in public spaces until statutory national safety regulations are in place
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to ban beehives in public access spaces until new safety laws are introduced. The new laws should clearly regulate beehives, including mandatory safety signage when beekeepers are working in public access spaces.
Background information
There is currently no clear Scottish legislation regulating where beehives can be placed in relation to public spaces, nor any requirement for safety signage when beekeepers are working on hives. Other activities with far lower risk require visible warnings, yet beekeeping does not.
Two family members, including a young child, were the victims of a severe bee attack in a public access area after encountering a beekeeper working on hives with no warning signs or barriers. When the bees were disturbed, they became defensive and swarmed. Both family members suffered over 150 stings each, had to be airlifted to hospital, and continue to experience ongoing trauma and anxiety.
This incident highlights a serious gap in public safety measures.
Simple, common sense regulation could prevent similar incidents and protect children, vulnerable people, and the wider public.
109 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
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