http://www.baltimorecity.gov/news/press/030303b.html
Mayor O'Malley Signs Legislation to Prohibit the Sales of Ammunition or Firearms in Designated Zoning Districts
Mayor Martin O'Malley, accompanied by Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Peter Beilenson, today signed City Council Bill 02-854 into law. The legislation makes the sales of ammunition permissible only at locations lawfully allowed to sell firearms and prohibits the sales of ammunition or firearms within 100 yards of a park, religious institution, school, public building or place of public assembly.
The bill was originally introduced by the City Police and Health Departments in August 2002 after the City had conducted a series of stings of local hardware and corner stores. In an effort to curb illegal ammunition sales to minors and reduce the availability of guns and ammunition within city limits, the Departments jointly pushed for the passage of Council Bills 02-854 and 02-855, both of which received overwhelming support by the City Council.
"This crucial piece of legislation will assist my administration's efforts to reduce crime and violence and save our youth in the City," said Mayor O'Malley. "The greatest threat to the lives of children and adolescents in Baltimore City is not illness or abandonment, but the terrible reality of violence."
Homicide is the leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds in Baltimore City. In 2002, 80 children under the age of 18 were shot in Baltimore City, resulting in 34 murders that year.
City Council Bill 02-854 provides generous timeframes for termination of sales or relocation of stores that become nonconforming as a result of this legislation. Currently, only two federally licensed firearm dealers would be negatively impacted by the new law and will have three years to relocate or terminate gun sales and maintain the other elements of their businesses. Businesses that are not licensed to sell firearms will be required to terminate the sale of ammunition within the next 60 days.
"We aren't bashing stores who can legally sell ammunition and firearms, we are doing what is within our power, and is frankly our duty, to protect the lives and health of City residents," stated Dr. Beilenson.
For more information on City Council Bill 02-854, contact Melisa Lindamood, Director of Legislative Affairs at 410-396-4677.
Mayor O'Malley Signs Legislation to Prohibit the Sales of Ammunition or Firearms in Designated Zoning Districts
Mayor Martin O'Malley, accompanied by Baltimore City Commissioner of Health Dr. Peter Beilenson, today signed City Council Bill 02-854 into law. The legislation makes the sales of ammunition permissible only at locations lawfully allowed to sell firearms and prohibits the sales of ammunition or firearms within 100 yards of a park, religious institution, school, public building or place of public assembly.
The bill was originally introduced by the City Police and Health Departments in August 2002 after the City had conducted a series of stings of local hardware and corner stores. In an effort to curb illegal ammunition sales to minors and reduce the availability of guns and ammunition within city limits, the Departments jointly pushed for the passage of Council Bills 02-854 and 02-855, both of which received overwhelming support by the City Council.
"This crucial piece of legislation will assist my administration's efforts to reduce crime and violence and save our youth in the City," said Mayor O'Malley. "The greatest threat to the lives of children and adolescents in Baltimore City is not illness or abandonment, but the terrible reality of violence."
Homicide is the leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds in Baltimore City. In 2002, 80 children under the age of 18 were shot in Baltimore City, resulting in 34 murders that year.
City Council Bill 02-854 provides generous timeframes for termination of sales or relocation of stores that become nonconforming as a result of this legislation. Currently, only two federally licensed firearm dealers would be negatively impacted by the new law and will have three years to relocate or terminate gun sales and maintain the other elements of their businesses. Businesses that are not licensed to sell firearms will be required to terminate the sale of ammunition within the next 60 days.
"We aren't bashing stores who can legally sell ammunition and firearms, we are doing what is within our power, and is frankly our duty, to protect the lives and health of City residents," stated Dr. Beilenson.
For more information on City Council Bill 02-854, contact Melisa Lindamood, Director of Legislative Affairs at 410-396-4677.
