NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Metro Fair Board stood by its decision to eventually ban gun shows from the Fairgrounds.
“You can’t stop obviously crimes and things from happening, but you certainly can stop tax payers from subsidizing the sale of guns to convicted felons and that was part of what was going on here under everyone noses,” said Kenny Byrd, a member of the board.
The board said it will honor all current contracts through the 2016 season, but starting in 2017 there will be no more gun shows at the fairgrounds.
Attorney Timothy Rudd attended the board meeting on behalf of Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Shows, which has held shows at the Fairgrounds for more than 35 years.
“We see this as a heavy handed regulation that says private party transfers are illegal here and we see that as problematic,” said Rudd.
Councilman Steve Glover agreed.
“They feel like they can end gun shows, I don’t think they can,” said Glover.
Rudd told News 2 his client will explore taking legal action if there’s a ban on gun shows at the fairgrounds.
“As good as it is for so many people and the traditions, too often it has turned into a place where felons and criminals can buy guns from private sellers with no background check what so ever,” said Byrd.