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Outrage in Austria as gun stores allowed to remain open despite coronavirus lockdown

The Local Austria
The Local Austria - [email protected]
Outrage in Austria as gun stores allowed to remain open despite coronavirus lockdown
Photo: MIGUEL SCHINCARIOL / AFP

While shops selling toys, garden tools and electronics are forced to close, gun shops may remain open during Austria’s coronavirus lockdown.

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The decision was confirmed by Austrian authorities on Tuesday who confirmed that shops selling arms and ammunition are “essential” like a handful of other outlets including supermarkets, pharmacies and petrol stations. 

The decision has caused widespread criticism, particularly considering the restrictions on other retailers including toy shops, electronics stores and garden centres, among others. 

Udo Guggenbichler, from the FPÖ, told OE24 that he was outraged by the decision. 

"Here you can see the haphazardness of our government - schools are closing - but arms dealers are open! What is the point of having these stores open when nobody comes to shop?” the Vienna council member said. 

 

 

As reported by The Local Austria on Tuesday, the restrictions on trade are so strict that supermarkets are not allowed to sell items which are also sold by other retailers which have been forced to close, such as electronics, office supplies or toys. 

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