US bans gun sales to Canadian visitors

A new U.S. regulation that came into effect today bars Canadian visitors from buying firearms there.

The rule makes an exception for Canadian hunters who possess a valid hunting licence issued in the United States, but hunters will need a special permit to bring guns across the border.

Under Public Law 105-277, tourists, nonimmigrant workers and students are now forbidden to buy either guns or ammunition in the United States.

The rule, prompted by last September's terrorist attacks, is supposed to be temporary.

However, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has served notice that will seek to finalize the regulation after soliciting public comments until May 6.

The rule doesn't apply to legal immigrants, foreign law enforcement officials or visiting diplomats or dignitaries.

Until today, Canadians have been allowed to bring firearms into the U.S. for hunting or sporting purposes at the discretion of the U.S. Customs Service, but the new rule requires them to get an ATF permit.

For details about the new rule, paste this into your browser's address window: http://www.atf.treas.gov/press/fy02press/020502alienfirearmregs.htm

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