Much-ballyhooed attempt to ban gun shows in Austin failing.
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/commissioners-discuss-gun-show-ban-at-expo-center/nTqRn/
Travis County [Tx] Commissioners, who were considering banning the Saxet Gun Show from the Expo Center (county property), apparently will put off any decision on the matter due to advice from their own attorneys. "...county attorneys appeared to cast doubt on the legality of such a move."
"After emerging from a private meeting with attorneys, County Judge Sam Biscoe said the prospect for a ban was 'not good.' Biscoe added that county lawyers will need to research further whether the county can legally ban gun shows ahead of an expected vote next week. A county gun show prohibition would shut down a regular, well-attended gun show at the county-run Exposition Center. Biscoe declined to comment further on the discussions from the closed session."
The story goes on to indicate how the gun shows account for %10 of the Expo Center's revenue of $1.15 million/yr.:
“If I don’t make the event here, someone in Williamson County or Hays County or Bastrop County is going to take it from me,” El Khoury said. El Khoury is the county's facilities director.
While the County seems to be pulling back, the City of Austin is still contemplating an even more aggressive approach:
"The county’s effort comes as the city of Austin considers a similar ban, as well as the possibility of enacting a law that would require a special permit — granted only by the City Council — for gun shows held on
private property in Austin. Council Member Mike Martinez told the American-Statesman on Friday that he and at least two other council members are considering bringing that proposal to a vote this month." [emphasis added]
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It remains to be seen if the City will follow through on this approach, but the "special" government license to have a show on private property will probably face even more scrutiny.
