School Zone Policy

 This policy outlines the procedures and legal compliance measures required for operating a federally licensed firearms business within 1,000 feet of a school zone, in accordance with the Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)), and establishes additional store-specific security measures to ensure public safety and legal integrity.

1. Compliance with Federal Law: Gu-Free School Zone Act (GFSZA)

In accordance with 18 U.S.C. § 922(q), it is unlawful for an individual to knowingly possess a firearm within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a public, parochial, or private school unless one of the following applies:

• The individual is licensed by the state or has a valid concealed carry permit issued by the state where the school zone is located, and the permit was issued after a background check.
  
• The possession occurs on private property not part of school grounds.
  
• The firearm is unloaded and in a locked container or secured gun rack in a vehicle.

As a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), Arete Armory, LLC is exempt under the GFSZA when firearms are in the course of lawful business operations at the licensed premises.

2. Store Policy: Firearms Transport Protocol

To further enhance safety and ensure compliance with federal law, Arete Armory, LLC enforces the following strict transport policy:

• All firearms entering or exiting the store must be transported in a locked, hard or soft-sided case. This applies to both customers and employees.
  
• Firearms must be unloaded prior to being brought into the store or removed from it.
  
• Customers must declare any firearm upon entering and will be asked to show that the firearm is secured in an appropriate locked case.
  
• If failure to abide by the policy is to occur, the store will have cases and locks available for purchase or rent. Any rented cases/locks will be fully refunded back to you once returned. 
• 
  

3. Signage and Public Awareness

Clear signage shall be posted at all public entrances stating:

“In compliance with federal law and store policy, all firearms must be unloaded and transported in a locked case. This store operates within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Thank you for your cooperation.”

4. Employee Training

All employees shall receive training on:

• GFSZA and its implications for operating near a school zone.
  
• Proper procedures for verifying and handling customer firearms.
  
• Responding to violations of the transport policy. 
• Responding to violations of the transport policy.