San Diego (KGTV)- Starting today, additional background checks are now required for people to buy ammunition. The system roll-out is leaving some store owners frustrated.
"It's going to be a lot harder for us to come in and buy ammo," says customer George Garcia.
The state law went into effect today, but it wasn't until 7 a.m. that the software went live.
"It is frustrating because we had to wait until the day of for the law to go into effect and the system to be in place," says Danielle Rudolph, Director of Sales Operations at Poway Weapons and Gear Range. "Then we still have to train staff properly."
The store must keep a record of the sales for five years.
The customer must have California drivers license or ID and pay an additional fee before they can even get their hands on the ammo.
"The basic ammunition eligibility check Is a dollar every time you buy. That is for people who have purchased firearms in California before," says Rudolph. "Then there's the standard one, that is $19. That is for anybody that has not purchased a firearm in California."
Some activists believe the new law could save lives. A statement from San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention says in part:
"This will help to prevent felons and those with illegal firearms from getting quick and easy access to high quantities of bullets, while allowing responsible gun owners who pass background checks to continue to purchase bullets."
They also say the new law will make it harder for those planning mass shootings to stock up on ammunition.
