Jeffrey D. Wagner Correspondent
WESTPORT -- There were bars and a "closed" sign Thursday afternoon over the doors of Village Sports Gun Shop on State Road.
Shooting Supply, just up the road, also had a sign announcing its closing, but with a number to call the state governor’s office for details.
Both of these businesses had steady customers the previous day, according to locals.
These signs and closings came Thursday morning after town police asked the businesses to shut down, says Westport Police Chief Keith Pelletier. These closures come after state Gov. Charlie Baker declared on Wednesday that gun retailers do not qualify as essential businesses during this state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pelletier confirmed that these two gun stores were open Thursday morning and employees expressed confusion, after President Donald Trump called gun stores essential businesses during this COVID-19 crisis.
Pelletier said both businesses were cooperative and immediately closed on Thursday, after the town police visit.
The businesses were closed Thursday afternoon and couldn't be reached for comment.
Apparently, these Westport gun businesses aren’t the only ones confused.
The Gunrunner, of Middleboro, also stayed open after Baker on Wednesday clarified his list of essential businesses, but did not include gun or gun supply retailers on the list, according to the Gun Owner's Action League of Massachusetts.
According to The Enterprise of Brockton, James Wallace, executive director of GOAL Massachusetts, on Wednesday said the Baker administration modified the list within a few hours.
At first, gun shops were part of the "essential business" list, Wallace said.
Now, Wallace and GOAL are contemplating legal action, according to The Enterprise.
Sarah Finlaw, Baker's press secretary, noted Baker's essential list reflects the federal list.
"The Administration followed federal guidance and tailored the list to reflect Massachusetts' unique economy while maintaining as stringent a list as possible to ensure people continue to avoid unnecessary activities," Finlaw said.
Finlaw noted that in this state, "essential" gun businesses manufacture or distribute firearms and ammunition for the military and law enforcement.
"Military and law enforcement are considered essential services," she said in an email. "Gun shops (retailers) are not listed as essential."
