Jackson County reverses, says KC area Bass Pro can stay open to sell guns and ammo
Jackson County has reversed its order telling Bass Pro Shops in Independence to close to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus.
Now, the county says the massive sports and outdoors retailer can remain open to sell guns and ammunition.
County officials on Monday said they ordered the store to close amid a metro-wide stay-at-home order that mandates the closure of nonessential businesses. Aside from sending a letter of non-compliance, a spokeswoman said law enforcement could intervene to force the store to close.
But on Wednesday evening, county officials announced they had changed that stance after Bass Pro Shops appealed the county’s decision, citing a Missouri law that prohibits cities and the state from restricting firearm sales during an emergency.
“Based upon this information, legal counsel advised county staff that Bass Pro Shops should be allowed to stay open for the sale of firearms and ammunition,” Jackson County and Jackson County Health Department officials said in a statement Wednesday.
The county still considers the retailer a nonessential business and says the company can only sell firearms, ammunition and “other goods directly related to responsible firearm storage and maintenance.”
“All other in-person sales must cease,” the county statement read. “The County will allow two business days for Bass Pro Shops to rectify this issue.”
The Bass Pro Shops in Olathe and Cabela’s at Village West in Kansas City, Kansas, both remain open. Bass Pro owns Cabela’s. Bass Pro’s flagship store in Springfield has temporarily closed.
Bass Pro says its stores have taken many steps to help slow the spread of coronavirus. It has implemented customer limits and told staff members to practice social distancing. The company has also reduced store hours and offers free, same-day pick-up for online orders.
“We are committed to complying fully with all laws and regulations with respect to operations, and we are working diligently to fully understand local guidance, which currently varies everywhere we operate,” the company said in a statement this week to The Star.
While Bass Pro can remain open, Jackson County officials still urged people to only venture out for necessities.
“Although certain businesses can remain open at this time, Jackson County officials strongly urge all residents to stay at home as much as possible,” the county’s statement said. “Individuals should only leave the home when providing or receiving essential services in the community.”
Jackson County also reversed its determination on car dealerships. At first, county officials said those businesses were not essential and must close. But they have since allowed them to stay open, said Independence City Manager Zach Walker.
He said city health inspectors were working to enforce the county’s stay-at-home order. But it’s a challenge, particularly in the case of the giant Bass Pro store in Independence — which is allowed to sell some items, but not others.
“Short of having somebody at a cash register, how do you ensure that’s not what’s happening?” Walker said.
