Inglewood Votes to Ban Saturday Night Specials

Inglewood joined a handful of Southern California cities banning the sale of inexpensive, cheaply made handguns known as Saturday night specials.

The City Council unanimously adopted the first reading of an ordinance at its Tuesday night meeting that would make it a misdemeanor to sell such guns in the city.

The ban will go into effect in five weeks if approved at next week’s council meeting. The Police Department will draw up a list of the guns that no longer can be sold and distributed by gun dealers.

Earlier this month, Los Angeles passed a similar law banning the manufacture and sale of Saturday night specials. The law was inspired by a measure passed this year by West Hollywood.

At the City Council meeting, several people spoke in favor of the ban. There was no opposition.

“All we have to do is lose one more child,” said Gerri Bossett of Women Against Gun Violence. “Which child do we use to sacrifice?”

Although the ban is a positive step, the Inglewood Police Department believes it will have little effect on crime, said police Lt. Dan Milchovich.

“I don’t know of any gangster that is going to buy an off-brand make [a Saturday night special] when he can buy the best arms available,” Milchovich said.

Violation of the ordinance is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.