Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Legal Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, Assistant City Manager & Director of Legal Services
FROM:	Scott J. Miller, Staff Attorney
Date:	March 1, 2006
RE:	Ordinance 7984:  Amendment to City Code Section 14-408(D) – Weapons Near Drinking Establishments Exceptions

Shortly after the recent amendments to Section 14-408 of the City Code, the weapons near a drinking establishment ordinance, I was contact by Mr. Martin Miller who is affiliated with the Douglas County Rifle and Pistol Club.  Mr. Miller reminded me that his organization uses a portion of the City of Lawrence Community Building at 115 W. 11^th Street as a firing range for target shooting.  He asked if an exception could be included in the ordinance for this activity as the Community Building is within 200 feet of a licensed drinking establishment so that this activity could continue.

Possession of firearms within the confines of a firing range or target range, even though the range is in close proximity to a drinking establishment, seems to be consistent with the policy justifications behind most of the now existing exceptions to the ordinance.  The attached ordinance amends the existing list of exceptions to include firearms possessed on the premises of lawfully operated firing and target ranges which have fixed business locations.  This is the only amendment proposed by this ordinance.

If I can answer any questions or offer any additional information, please let me know.