BEVERLY HILLS : Registration Law for Ammunition Gets Initial OK

Following the lead of neighboring cities, the Beverly Hills City Council has given preliminary approval to a law that would regulate the sales of ammunition.

The council on Tuesday unanimously endorsed an ordinance similar to restrictions recently passed by Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and Pasadena. The measure, pending final approval next month, requires ammunition vendors to register sales of bullets by recording information on the buyers, such as name, address and driver’s license number. It also requires dealers to maintain the sales records for three years.

“I’m very supportive of the ordinance,” Police Chief Marvin Iannone said. “I believe the city needs to be generally consistent with the surrounding jurisdictions regarding this type of legislation.”

Seven businesses in Beverly Hills are licensed to sell firearms, including a pawnshop and private gun dealers, police said. The businesses sell only a small amount of ammunition, but the ordinance may help in solving some crimes, police said.

“In some investigations, bullets or bullet casings can provide police with crucial leads,” said police Lt. Frank Salcido.