Gun shops join alcohol, pot stores as ‘essential’ businesses in coronavirus pandemic

Grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals and now gun shops.

All are considered “essential” businesses during the coronavirus pandemic after the Trump administration ruled on Saturday that firearms dealers should be allowed to remain open, according to the Associated Press.

The National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and other gun rights advocacy groups lobbied to get gun shops on the list of essential businesses before the Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory declaring them essential services, the AP reported. DHS said the ruling is not a mandate but a guidance for local governments to consider when choosing which businesses should remain open during shutdowns.

The move brought criticism from gun control advocates, who believe groups like the NRA are causing fear to boost firearms sales, Reuters reported. They also believe that an increase in gun ownership during a time when people are supposed to be staying at home may lead to more domestic violence, according to Reuters.

DHS’s guidance says “workers supporting the operation of firearm or ammunition product manufacturers, retailers, importers, distributors and shooting ranges” are considered vital by the Trump administration, Reuters reported. “The guidance carries no formal legal weight,” Reuters said, but can be used as a justification by governors who choose to include them as essential businesses.

Lobbying groups, including the NRA, have fought hard against municipalities who ordered gun shops to close, including in Los Angeles County, the AP said. LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva ordered firearms dealers to close their doors twice, prompting gun rights advocates to challenge the legality of the order, according to AP.

In response to the coronavirus shutdowns, gun sales have shot up in many places, including California, New York, Washington state, Alabama and Ohio, The New York Times reported. Data from the FBI indicated a 300% increase in requested background checks on March 16, according to the NYT.