Non-core business coronavirus restrictions should apply to these stores, says Sheriff Alex Villanueva
The Los Angeles County Sheriff, Alex Villanuevasaid on Tuesday that armories are non-essential businesses and if they do not close their doors, as has been ordered in the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus, they will be cited and will face the loss of their business licenses, LA Times reports.
“Gun shops, strip clubs, nightclubs are non-essential businesses. We are trying to make them close their doors, ”said Villanueva. "If they don't close their doors, they will be cited," which could mean the loss of a business license.
"We are not going to take people to jail," he added.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD) is informing any firearms business that it closes immediately. To ensure the message is delivered, MPs will speak to the owners of any businesses that are still operating.
As the number of cases in Los Angeles County soared to more than 660 on Tuesday, the Sheriff said it was time to "double" the need to enforce social distancing as well.
When asked about the advisability of closing gun stores and a possible violation of the Second Amendment, Villanueva said the problem with business is the lack of coordination between state and county health officials.
"It is not about prohibiting the sale of weapons, which is what the Second Amendment is about," he said. "This is not part of that. The problem is that there was some confusion (a) lack of an inclusive planning process in the development of the local health officer order. And that has created a conflict with the orders that come from the governor's office, which are broader. ”
"And now we have identified that there is a loophole that needs to be addressed," Villanueva said in an interview with Fox News. “The point is that those who are involved in the security business who still need to do their business, and obviously there is a need for security in both the public and private sectors, we want to make sure they are properly equipped. However, that is not a license for everyone to buy panic weapons, which is what we are seeing now. And again, that violates the whole issue of social distancing, it is creating its own violation (of distancing). ”
Gun sales are increasing in many states, especially those most affected by the coronavirus: California, New York and Washington.
But there has also been a rebound in the least affected areas, with some first-time gun buyers fearing a crumbling social order and some gun owners fear that the government may use its emergency powers to restrict arms purchases.
Federal background checks increased 34% in February as gun sales skyrocketed. Many people have placed orders for weapons and are awaiting delivery.
