According to Firearm Chronicles
Many Allegheny County, Pennsylvania gun stores are opening their doors today as the county government is asking all non-essential business to close for a period of several weeks. The Pittsburgh Tribune spoke to several gun store owners who say their business is essential, especially in a time of uncertainty.
John Anderson, owner of Delmont Sport Shop in Delmont, said he does not plan to close his shop as he views it as essential. “We’re essential to keep life, liberty and the freedom of happiness,” Anderson said.
The Keystone Shooting Center in Marshall Township posted Monday on Facebook that it was aware of Allegheny County’s request to close all nonessential businesses but it planned to stay open. “After food and shelter, there is no greater need or necessity than the ability to protect oneself and one’s loved ones,” the Keystone Shooting Center wrote.
The center said it was taking extra precautions such as disinfecting equipment and giving their employees the option to work at home.
I have been encouraging as many people as possible to stay home and stay away from others, but I don’t have a problem with these stores remaining open. Yes, many retail establishments, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are shutting their doors, but John Anderson is right when he says that access to firearms and ammunition is essential to keeping life and liberty protected.
Meanwhile, though the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office is suspending the processing of concealed carry licenses for at least two weeks, the staff were working as hard as possible on Monday to process as many permit applications as possible before closing their doors to the public.