AlexanderA: .....I disagree. If FFL's were so easy to obtain, then why were hundreds of thousands of kitchen-table FFL's forced to give up their licenses in the mid-1980's?
Because ATF began enforcing the law.......those licensees were told to begin abiding by their own city, state, or county laws, zoning and obtain business licensees or sales tax permits. Some chose to comply, some could not because of zoning issues or local laws. Many also chose not to renew because of an increase in license fees.
When I had my FFL, I took care to satisfy the home-based business zoning requirements in my area, get an occupancy permit, pay the local business license tax, collect state sales tax, etc., etc. Yet even I saw the handwriting on the wall when the ATF fees were raised and they started their concerted effort to drive small dealers out of business. It got to the point where the hassle just wasn't worth it for me any more. (And this was all by design on the ATF's part, since they -- or rather, the antigunners -- claimed that there were too many FFL's for them to adequately supervise.)
The hassle of running a business wasn't worth it?
I believed that "ATF hates small FFL's" too........until I did a bit of reading. It's internet myth. ATF was more than helpful during my application process. The only discouragement was right on these gun forums were every Billy Bob gun owner in America said it couldn't be done because "kitchen table" dealers aren't allowed. Horsehockey. I got my FFL while I was between houses.....a one bedroom apartment with no room for a kitchen table. The biggest hassle was waiting at the county sheriffs office to get fingerprinted.
The Federal Firearms License is a "shall issue" license. If you can operate legally at your licensed premises you will get the license.
Requiring FFL's for all currently unlicensed sellers at gun shows would by necessity reverse this. Of course, the current FFL holders would scream bloody murder, because it would destroy their monopolies.
You contradict yourself.
First, you say ATF ran all the small timers out of business, now you want them to license everyone?
Second, it's illogical to say that current FFL holders would complain about EVERY SELLER being licensed......most would welcome the idea that everyone in the building had to undergo the same background check and expenses that a licensee would have.
Third, What "monopolies"?
Federal law allows
anyone to apply for a license. Want to be in the business of dealing guns? Get a license. It's that simple.
Fourth, What makes you think that the unlicensed sellers WANT to be licensed? With the FFL comes a few little laws and regulations that don't apply to Joe Public. How many want to endure the same level of oversight as current licensed dealers? Not many I'll bet.
I think you've been reading too much of the Brady campaign material.
