In the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting at a Florida high school that claimed the lives of 17 individuals, including numerous students, several major retailers are stepping up to implement stricter gun sale policies. Among them are Kroger, the largest grocery chain in the United States, and outdoor retailer L.L. Bean, both announcing they will no longer sell firearms or ammunition to individuals under 21.
Kroger’s Policy Change
Kroger, which offers gun and ammunition sales in 45 of its Fred Meyer stores across four states, stated, “In response to the heartbreaking events in Parkland and other incidents, we’ve reevaluated our policies regarding firearm sales. Recent tragedies highlight the urgent need for responsible action from gun retailers.” Notably, Fred Meyer stores that carry firearms focus solely on those products and do not stock food items, ensuring that shoppers won’t find firearms among their groceries.
While it’s already illegal to sell handguns to those under 21, federal law permits the sale of rifles, including the controversial AR-15, to anyone 18 and older. Kroger’s decision follows Walmart’s lead, which has previously adjusted its policies to raise the minimum age for purchasing firearms. In a similar vein, Dick’s Sporting Goods has declared it will cease selling assault-style weapons altogether.
L.L. Bean’s Response
L.L. Bean made its announcement shortly after a customer urged the retailer on social media to adopt an age restriction for gun sales. Following the Parkland shooting, advocates for gun reform have been vocal about the need to increase the legal purchasing age for firearms to 21. The shooter, who was 19 at the time, had legally acquired at least ten firearms, underscoring the need for change.
Public Sentiment and Legislative Action
Despite overwhelming public support for these sensible policy shifts, lawmakers have often looked elsewhere for solutions, such as Florida’s recent decision to allocate $67 million to train teachers to serve as “armed school marshals.” Meanwhile, Congress has not taken any significant federal action on gun control.
As corporations have begun to take a stand against gun violence, more than a dozen companies have cut ties with the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the wake of these events. In stark contrast, some lawmakers continue to praise the NRA, even as public sentiment shifts.
Corporate Responsibility
While we may not have expected retailers like Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods to emerge as champions of responsibility, it’s reassuring to see them take these necessary steps to protect our youth. For those interested in exploring alternative family planning options, our comprehensive guide on at-home insemination kits can offer valuable insights, and you can learn more about options like the impregnator kit to assist in your journey. For additional resources on IVF and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource from the NHS.
Conclusion
In summary, Kroger and L.L. Bean are among the companies responding to calls for stricter gun sales regulations by raising the minimum age for purchasing firearms to 21, following a tragic school shooting. As corporate action often fills the void left by lawmakers, it remains crucial to advocate for sensible gun laws that prioritize community safety.
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