WHEN reaching for the steak knife double check the T-bone is on its way because strict new laws banning knives in public places take effect this week.

As reported by the Mercury in April, the State Government introduced legislation banning knives in public places citing blade-driven crime.

MORE: CARRYING KNIVES IN PUBLIC PLACES WILL BE BANNED

Tasmania Police published information on its website yesterday to explain the new laws.

“Knives are the most common weapon used in crimes in Tasmania, and this change aims to ensure our public places remain safe and secure,” it says.

The change means pocket knives and multi-tools, such as the ubiquitous Leatherman, cannot be carried simply because you fancy yourself a modern-day MacGyver.

“However, if they are being used as part of a lawful activity (e.g. fishing, camping, employment) no offence is committed,” police said.

media_camera This is a big no-no. Picture: Supplied

“Using a knife to consume a meal is a lawful use of the knife. However, simply having a knife at the bar for the purpose of having it is not.”

The website warns people who carry knives in the course of their work against taking it with them to the pub after they have knocked off.

“Someone having a break from a lawful activity involving a knife should lock the knife away when they visit a licensed premise,” police said.

Keeping a knife in a car without a legitimate reason is also illegal.

Police Minister Rene Hidding told Parliament that knives were used in 100 assaults, woundings, robberies, rapes, murders and other serious offences in Tasmania each year.

“The potential danger ... is highlighted by woundings with knives that have occurred in entertainment districts within Hobart,” Mr Hidding said.

Police will no longer have to prove in court that anyone found with a knife in public is breaking the law.

Instead the accused will have to give a reasonable explanation for carrying the knife.

patrick.billings@news.com.au