KSHB | Two days after mailing a letter of non-compliance to Bass Pro Shops in Independence for violating the county’s stay-at-home order, Jackson County has reversed course — in part.
Bass
Pro Shops will be allowed to remain open but only for the “sale of
firearms, ammunition and other goods directly related to responsible
firearm storage and maintenance,” Jackson County said Wednesday in a
statement.
The county issued a stay-at-home order amid the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic March 24 and received complaints March 27 about Bass Pro Shops
remaining open.
“On March 30, the Jackson County Health
Department, in consultation with County officials, notified Bass Pro
Shops that it was not considered an essential business,” the county said
Wednesday.
But Bass Pro Shops appealed the decision, citing state law that prevents restrictions on firearms sales during an emergency.
“Based
upon this information, legal counsel advised county staff that Bass Pro
Shops should be allowed to stay open for the sale of firearms and
ammunition,” Jackson County said Wednesday.
According to a Missouri law that went into effect in August 2007,“
the state, any political subdivision, or any person shall not prohibit
or restrict the lawful possession, transfer, sale, transportation,
storage, display, or use of firearms or ammunition during an emergency.”
Bass Pro Shops remains classified as a non-essential business except for firearms sales.
“All
other in-person sales must cease,” Jackson County said Wednesday. “The
County will allow two business days for Bass Pro Shops to rectify this
issue.”
