Federal judge in Massachusetts issues order allowing gun shops to reopen

A federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order Thursday allowing licensed gun shops in the state to reopen.


The order from US District Judge Douglas Woodlock allows gun retailers to get back to work starting at noon on Saturday.

Woodlock's order calls for gun retailers to operate by appointment only, with no more than four appointments per hour. Gun shops will be allowed to operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Gun shop owners must enforce social distancing and public health guidelines, including requiring employees and customers wear masks. They must also provide full or partial barriers between employees and customers and ensure proper hygiene is practiced in the workplace.

Some context: This decision from Woodlock comes after Gov. Charlie Baker was sued last month by gun shop owners and advocates following his decision to close firearm retailers in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus.

“The court has issued a ruling and the administration is working with the Attorney General’s office to review the decision," Deputy Communications Director Terry MacCormack told CNN.