ATF Green Lights Curbside Gun Sales During Pandemic

Federally licensed gun dealers got the green light by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to conduct gun sales through curbside service. This means gun stores can remain open during the coronavirus pandemic while also practicing social distancing.

Long Lines At Gun Stores Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

The announcement came late last week as the Easter weekend began.

Second Amendment advocates applaud this decision especially since gun stores have been packed in recent weeks.

Long lines have been standard in outside of many firearm shops around the country.

Even the nation’s gun control capital, California, saw a run on guns.

Of course, this announcement does not give gun buyers a free pass with the background check.

It simply means that buyers don’t have to enter the store in order to complete the transaction.

ATF’s Statement On Curbside Gun Sales

Bearing Arms broke down the new ATF statement:

(1) An FFL may carry out the requested activities through a drive-up or walk-up window or doorway where the customer is on the licensee’s property on the exterior of the brick-andmortar structure at the address listed on the license.

(2) An FFL may also carry out the requested activities from a temporary table or booth located in a parking lot or other exterior location on the licensee’s property at the address listed on the license, but any such activities must occur in a location where the licensee has the authority to permit ATF’s entry for inspection purposes. Whether the FFL has the authority to permit such entry, and whether a location constitutes the FFL’s property, is likely to be a fact specific inquiry. An FFL carrying out the requested activities from an exterior table or booth should maintain its inventory and records securely in the interior of the brick-and-mortar structure and ensure that the records of each firearms transaction are stored in the interior.

(3) An FFL may not carry out the requested activities from a nearby space that is not located on the licensee’s property at the address listed on the license, unless such activities are at a qualified in-state gun show or event, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 923(j) and 27 C.F.R. § 478.100, or other provision of federal law.

(4) An FFL may conduct non-over-the-counter firearm sales to unlicensed in-state residents who are exempt from NICS requirements in accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 922(c), 27 § C.F.R. 478.96, and ATF Procedure 2013-2.

Gun Stores Are Essential Businesses

It is bold move by the ATF to accommodate the increased push for firearms sales, and a critical one as various facets of our economy wrestle with downturn.

The Constitution guarantees our Second Amendment rights and many citizens view gun sales as essential.

This will certainly help the welfare of the firearms industry on the whole. Especially the small dealers and related businesses who can’t afford to close.

Especially when even the big players are feeling the impact of coronavirus’ economic impact.

The U.S. reported record gun sales in March. Despite this fact, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was forced to make tough decisions amid the pandemic’s economic fallout.

Politico reported that the NRA laid off 60 employees in recent weeks and was forced to cancel its annual meeting which drives millions of fundraising dollars.

NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre has also warned that remaining employees’ salaries may be cut in addition to the layoffs.

More information about curbside service at gun stores is in the video below.

Erin Perri

A mom first and conservative Christian second, Erin credits a midwestern upbringing and deep military roots for her no-nonsense perspective on life and family in America today.