L.A. Considers Ban of Ammunition Sales

Several Los Angeles City Council members expressed support Monday for laws that would either limit or ban outright the sale of ammunition in the city.

But before sending the potentially controversial ordinances to the full council, lawmakers on the Public Safety Committee agreed to wait until the Police Commission reviews and acts on those proposals.

The outright ban on ammunition sales, proposed by Councilman Mike Hernandez, would exempt current and retired police officers and the entertainment industry, which is concerned about the potential effects on filming.

The law would ban “live” ammunition but still allow film companies to buy and use blanks. In addition, Hernandez proposed firing ranges be exempted as long as ammunition is bought and used only on the premises. Most of the changes were suggested by the Police Commission, which began discussion of the proposed law last week.

A proposal to limit ammunition sales, supported by Councilman Mike Feuer, would be consistent with the state’s handgun law by requiring criminal background checks. Ammunition buyers would be required to pay a fee for a permit, which would help recover state and local costs.

City law currently bans the sale of ammunition within city boundaries around New Year’s Eve and July 4.

No California court has decided whether it is within the power of a city to ban ammunition sales, but former state Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren found five years ago that cities cannot impose legislation that “materially affects” handgun possession. City attorneys believe that a new attorney general’s opinion could be more favorable and that the ban could withstand legal challenges.