A debate in Branford about whether to restrict sales of firearms and ammunition in parts of town is over.
The Branford Rules and Ordinances Committee met on Tuesday night and voted against drafting an ordinance that would restrict the sales of firearms near schools, parks and playgrounds.
Members of the rules and ordinances committee said, in part, that they would be reckless if they created an ordinance the town attorney couldn’t back legally and that could open up them to a lawsuit.
The town attorney said the committee needed to find reasons that dealt with public health and public safety.
A new outdoor sporting goods store prompted a discussion about drafting the ordinance, but former Branford police commissioner David Jacobs said the gun store is not the real issue.
“I don't have a problem with the guns store. I wish the Congress would get going and make sure that they had adequate background checks and also did something as far as the mental health issue,” Jacobs said.
Reaction in town is mixed.
“As long as it's legal and they follow all the rules, I don't see that it should make any difference,” Hansen said.
“Everybody has the right to bear firearms, as long as you're not a felon,” Anthony Gambardella, of Branford, said.
But Raduoane Nasry, of Branford, said the store is not something the town needs.
“It's the least of things we need in Branford. Branford was just nice without any gun stores,” Nasry said.
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