http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=al3b28nk6ilg&refer=us By Karen Gullo Sacramento, California April 4 (Bloomberg) -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, agreed to temporarily stop selling firearms at its 118 California stores after state inspections found that guns had been sold to two felons. California Attorney General Bill Lockyer said in a statement that inspectors found 490 violations of state gun laws at six Wal- Mart stores in the Sacramento and Central Valley areas. Wal-Mart released guns before the 10-day waiting period and background checks were completed and failed to verify the identity of purchasers through thumbprints, Lockyer said. Retailers like Wal-Mart and rival Kmart Corp. have been criticized by gun control advocates for selling rifles, shotguns and ammunition. Wal-Mart toughened its gun sale policy last year, making buyers wait until a background check was complete, even if it took longer than 3 days. Under federal law, retailers can legally sell guns without a background check if the process takes longer than 3 days. ``We've agreed to the suspension to allow us to step up our training so that we do a better job,'' said Wal-Mart spokesman Tom Williams. He said the stores primarily sell rifles. Wal-Mart employees will begin training in California's firearms laws next week, Williams said. ``Wal-Mart acted promptly and responsibly by agreeing to immediately suspend the sales of firearms in their California stores until corrective action can be taken,'' Lockyer said in the statement. Improper Sales Investigators found that employees at one story had illegally sold firearms to an individual convicted of spousal abuse and another person convicted of drug charges. Federal and state laws make it illegal to sell guns to felons or people convicted of domestic offenses. Hallye Jordan, a spokeswoman for Lockyer, said it wasn't known whether the guns sold to the felons were later used in a crime. Both guns were confiscated, she said. The state ``has no time frame'' for the suspension and would continue to monitor Wal-Mart stores, Jordan said. Other inspections occurred in stores in Turlock, Merced, Madera and Los Banos. Last Updated: April 4, 2003 21:59 EST
If Wal-Mart violated the law, prosecute the retailer and employees involved to the full extent of the law.
