Question to restrict gun shop locations

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Becoming a business owner that sells weapons can be a tiring process with state and federal licenses required. Should local towns add their own rules as well?

It was an inevitability. Following the Newtown tragedy, the gun-control debate has been in over drive. There are talks at the state capital about weapon and ammunition restrictions and, at some local levels, there is debate about exactly where gun shops get set up shop.

"We did have other ordinances that controlled, adult entertainment and things like that, we also have same things with liquor stores," said Branford's First Selectman Anthony DaRos.

DaRos is referencing recent controversy in his town over the downtown opening of TGS Outdoors, a gun store. In the aftermath of this town talker, and later, Sandy Hook, a new ordinance is being considered restricting just exactly where a gun store can open. DaRos has passed the issue on to the town's legislative body, the "RTM."

"I would say they have their hands full, yes, absolutely. Whenever you do anything like this, I don't think it's infringing on anybody's rights, it's just regulating that right," said DaRos.

One question to this idea might be should a business that pays taxes, employs people, and goes through strict federal guidelines be subject to further scrutiny from local municipalities?

The Connecticut Citizens Defense League tells News 8, "the concern over the lawful practice of buying and selling firearms is a non issue. Thousands of law abiding people purchase firearms and ammunition daily across the country. Restricting the rights of people to enter into a lawful business is contrary to what this country was founded on. Hopefully Branford will re-estimate it's concerns."

"A lot of stringent guidelines set up by the federal government that we have to adhere to, along with the state," Frank Kloss said in April of 2012.

Former Police Officer Frank Kloss met with opposition in Woodbridge when he was opening up his gun store last year.  But will the prospect of opening up a gun store become more difficult, not just in Branford, but the rest of the state?

"You'll get the backlash anywhere," said DaRos.