Local News

Proposed gun store ban in Newton is blocked for now

The issue surrounding gun shops arose after a local seller, Newton Firearms, looked to open in Newtonville.

Newton City Hall

By John Hilliard, The Boston Globe

July 14, 2021

Efforts in Newton to ban gun stores from the city hit a roadblock Monday after the City Council turned down proposed zoning changes to prohibit firearms retailers. But the debate over the issue will continue as councilors are expected to take up a separate ban measure in the fall.

While there is widespread opposition among the city’s elected leaders against firearms businesses, debate has swirled around whether an outright ban would invite a court challenge under the Second Amendment.

GUNS IN NEWTON:

A business owner wants to open a gun shop in Newton. The effort is facing intense opposition from officials and residents alike.

Late last month, the council’s Zoning & Planning Committee recommended against Newton adopting the ban through the city’s zoning code. In a 21-3 vote Monday, a majority of councilors approved the committee’s recommendation to deny the ban.

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