For Immediate Release  
 Contact: Gail H. Davis
                                               FY-98-13  
                                               Date: July 13, 1998 

   

          Posting of Signs and Written Notification 
                     to Purchasers of Handguns 

   WASHINGTON—The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) is issuing regulations to
 require that signs be posted on the premises of Federal firearms licensees and that written
 notification be issued with each handgun sold advising of the provisions of the Youth Handgun
 Safety Act.  This law generally makes it unlawful for anyone under 18 years of age to knowingly
 possess a handgun, or for any person to sell, deliver or otherwise transfer a handgun to a person
 under 18.  Certain exceptions are set forth in the statute. 

 Effective September 11, 1998, all Federally licensed firearms importers, manufacturers, dealers,
 and collectors who deliver handguns to nonlicensed persons are required to provide written
 notification of the Youth Handgun Safety Act to such persons.  Additionally, each licensed importer,
 manufacturer or dealer will be required to display a sign which warns of the criminal penalties
 provided under the Youth Handgun Safety Act, and which encourages handgun owners to safely
 store their handguns away from children.  

 ATF will provide the required signs and written statements to Federal firearms licensees.  Copies of
 the signs and written statements can be viewed at ATF’s Web site.  

 For further information, see the July 13, 1998, issue of the Federal Register, contact ATF’s Public
 Information Division at (202) 927-8500, or visit ATF’s Web site at www.atf.treas.gov. 
   
                                    -end-