KANSAS CITY, Mo. — 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.”
With nearly 1,600 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Missouri, including at least 21 deaths, “Jackson County officials strongly urge all residents to stay at home as much as possible. Individuals should only leave the home when providing or receiving essential services in the community.”
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