In response to the Parkland tragedy, a number of retailers have announced major changes to their gun sale policies. And while those changes should be applauded, they also shine a light on just how easy it is for stores to legally sell guns in America.
As reported by Racked, Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fred Meyer, and L.L.Bean (because nothing accentuates a gum boot like a Glock, apparently), all announced new restrictions, while Sears kicked a third-party seller off their marketplace for selling “a military-style rifle.”
But even with those Big Box-ers’ newfound embracement of accountability, there are still 56,199 active firearms dealer’s licenses in America (four times the number of McDonald’s, for perspective), and those licenses are inexplicably easy to acquire.
“According to a rep for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there are no restrictions on what types of corporations can sell guns, so if that vintage clothing boutique with all the good mom jeans wants to diversify its product assortment, it hypothetically could,” the story said, also reporting that the license costs just $200 and requires a renewal every three years, making it less expensive than my parking permit.
But there are also scenarios in which no license is required, like “when individuals are liquidating a personal collection or selling off the occasional gun to pay for a newer model.”
The story also points out that corporations change their stance on guns constantly, so “it remains to be seen how sustained their restrictions on gun sales will be.” And, because of course he did, some asshole in Oregon has “already sued Walmart and Dick’s for ‘unlawfully discriminating against 18, 19, and 20 year-old customers at all Oregon locations.’”
You can read more about it at Racked.
