In Maine, a new 72-hour waiting period rule goes into force on Friday, requiring gun buyers to wait three days before bringing their purchase home.
Suicidal thoughts were the reason behind the law’s creation. Opponents are concerned about how it would affect gun shows, though.
According to Laura Whitcomb, president of Gun Owners of Maine, the waiting period will make gun sales at gun shows less spontaneous and ultimately unfeasible. Proponents of guns are also concerned about the new law’s possible effects on the economy.
“You have venues that won’t be rented, you have the surrounding gas stations, restaurants and all that stuff that won’t be frequented when the gun show is happening. So, it has a far-reaching effect that I think a lot of people don’t realize,” Whitcomb stated.
Based on the experiences of other states implementing similar regulations, Nacole Palmer, Executive Director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, says that this does not mean the end of gun shows.
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“Yes, it’s a change, but it’s not one that’s actually spelled out the end of gun shows in other states that have passed it. In fact, in other states like California and Colorado, that have waiting periods, they have gun show business that is booming,” Palmer stated.
Following the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston that left 18 people dead and 13 injured, the measure was passed. August 24–25 is the Augusta Armory’s first scheduled gun exhibition following the 72-hour waiting period that begins on August 9.
