November 30, 2011 – AKTI Opposition Position Letter sent to Boston City Council
Attending the November 18th public hearing, AKTI was able to testify, on behalf of knife retailers, manufacturers and all knife owners, against the proposed Boston ordinance which would require the licensing of convenience stores that retail knives to the public, pointing out that in no way would the ordinance reduce the illegal use of knives. You can watch the entire public hearing on the City of Boston website.
After listening to the concerns of citizens who have been the victims of knife crimes, the Boston Police Department’s issues enforcing the current knife laws, and meeting with Councillors Ross and Jackson who introduced the proposal, AKTI reviewed the situation with their legal contributing counsel and legislative committee. Today AKTI sent a letter outlining an opposition position to the Boston City Council and Mayor Menino, asking for their review and consideration. You can read the AKTI Opposition Position Letter that details the ordinance as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
We expect that the Boston City Council will consider the ordinance proposal again next Wednesday when they meet at 12 p.m. Should they pass the ordinance proposed or some version of it, we will continue to appeal to the Mayor and others to oppose it.
AKTI and its members believe that the current regulations around the sale of knives go above and beyond what is needed in the City of Boston. AKTI does not in any way support or endorse the illegal sale of knives or any illegal use of a knife or tool under current law in the City of Boston.
For the background story
Proposed Ordinance Providing for Licensing of Stores That Sell Certain Knives
Read about when AKTI intervened in Boston in 2001
Current Boston Ordinance Regarding Knives
City of Boston Knife regulations: 16-39.1
Prohibition of Sale of Dangerous Instruments.
No person shall sell, give or deliver to any person under eighteen (18) years of age (hereinafter referred to as “minor”) any of the following:
a. Knife having a blade with a length of two (2″) inches or more;
b. Ice pick or similar implement having a metal pointed shaft and handle;
c. Straight edged razor or razor blade fitted with a handle.
Transient vendors, peddlers or hawkers, as defined in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 101 (licensed or unlicensed) are prohibited from selling the above listed dangerous instruments in the City.(Ord. 1997 c. 9 § 1; Ord. 2001 c. 1) Penalty, see subsection 16-39.2