Anaheim Passes Ordinance Requiring Registration of Gun Dealers, New Fee

Weeks of debate between members of the City Council and local gun dealers quietly came to a close Tuesday with the unanimous approval of an ordinance that requires gun dealers who sell concealable firearms to register with the city and pay a nominal fee.

“This is great,” said Cathy Tolley, director of the Gun Owners React Committee. “I think the City Council did the right thing, finally.”

The ordinance, as first drafted in January by City Atty. Jack White, proposed that a $200 fee be imposed for registration. That elicited ardent opposition from some of the city’s 60 gun dealers.

The compromise ordinance adopted Tuesday mandates that gun dealers who sell concealable firearms, such as pistols, register with the city treasurer and pay a fee that will total about $25. The registration fee is separate from the city’s regular business license.

Adoption of the registration ordinance arose out of a request by the state attorney general’s office that local authorities regulate dealers of concealable firearms. The local regulations will augment existing state and federal licensing procedures.