Stores that sell guns in New York City could soon be required to post signs informing potential buyers of the potential risks that go along with owning them.
The requirement is being proposed in a bill Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez (D-Bronx) plans to introduce Thursday afternoon.
“There’s no federal agency that can require a gun manufacturer to recall defective guns or ammunition. So by adding a consumer warning, we are holding dealers and owners accountable and also making sure those buying guns are aware of what could happen,” Velazquez told the Us.Mistertruth.. “Just like any other item that poses a safety hazard, we are educating the consumer of the risks.”
Under the bill, the proposed notice would read: “A firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, homicide, death during domestic disputes, and unintentional deaths to children, household members, and others.” If storeowners refuse to comply, they could be hit with fines of up to $5,000.
Gun permits in New York State are generally difficult to secure. But since last summer, Mayor Adams has worried publicly that will change, given the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that struck down a state law limiting concealed-carry handgun licenses to people with self-defense needs.
Velazquez’s bill, which is being co-sponsored by Councilman Erik Bottcher (D-Manhattan), would require “every dealer in firearms” in the city to conspicuously post a notice informing potential buyers of risks.
“If there are safety notices posted at the point of boarding thrill rides in amusement parks, there should be safety notices posted at the point of sale of deadly firearms,” Bottcher said. “By requiring warning notices we can help prevent accidental injuries and deaths and reduce the overall number of guns and other weapons in circulation.”
The proposed notice, in addition to the warning language, would also include numbers for the city’s mobile mental health crisis team and the National Suicide Hotline.
Under the bill’s current language, it would go into effect 60 days after sign-off from the mayor. A spokesman from the mayor’s office did not immediately comment on the proposal’s merits.
Employees at several gun stores — like the Beretta Gallery in Manhattan and DF Brothers Sports Center in Brooklyn — declined to comment on the bill.
But one store manager at Olinville Arms in the Bronx predicted that, if enacted, it wouldn’t put a dent in business at his White Plains Road storefront.
“That’s not going to stop them — a little sign in the window,” said Olinville’s Bill Spinelli. “People that want a firearm are going to buy a firearm.”
Spinelli also suggested the city’s elected leaders should do more to focus on the dangers posed by illegal gun sales.
“Licensed gun owners are not thugs,” he said. “They should worry about the illegal gun owners.”
Velazquez didn’t appear fazed by such critiques, though.
“The gun industry is the only manufacturer of a consumer product exempt from federal health and safety regulations,” she said. “This consumer warning is meant to educate the consumer on the risks affiliated with owning a firearm.”