SANTA MONICA : Council Backs Curbs on Ammunition Sales

Following the lead of several Southern California cities, the Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to an ordinance that would regulate the sale of ammunition.

The council unanimously approved the measure, which is modeled after a law passed in Pasadena.

The ordinance, pending final approval, will require ammunition vendors to register all bullet sales with the buyer’s name and address, together with the type and amount of bullets purchased.

In an effort to curb gun violence, Pasadena in February became the first city in the nation to adopt a law restricting bullet sales. A month later, West Hollywood approved a similar plan.

Last week, the Los Angeles City Council gave preliminary approval to its own ordinance. There are six businesses licensed to sell firearms in Santa Monica, although it is unclear how many of them sell ammunition.

Santa Monica officials say the law is more a symbolic act against violence than a significant crime-fighting tool. Much of the ammunition used in crimes is stolen along with the weapons, so it is unlikely the bullets would be registered, according to Police Chief James T. Butts.