L.L. Bean, the Maine retailer most famous for selling its beloved bean boots, announced Friday that it is adding its name to the roster of companies raising the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21 years of age.
The retailer made its announcement on Twitter after multiple individuals inquired if L.L. Bean would be changing its policy in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. The shooting, which resulted in the death of 17 individuals, has reignited the national conversation on gun-control.
"In the wake of this shooting we have reviewed our policy on firearm sales, and we will no longer be selling guns or ammunition to anyone under the age of 21," the company tweeted.
In the wake of this shooting we have reviewed our policy on firearm sales, and we will no longer be selling guns or ammunition to anyone under the age of 21. ^kw
— L.L.Bean (@LLBean) March 2, 2018
L.L. Bean, which has 37 brick and mortar store in 17 states, only sells guns in its main flagship store in Freeport, Maine. The retailer's other 36 locations do not sell firearms, nor does the company do so through its online website.
The retailer also separated itself from the NRA in a recent tweet, noting it "never has supported" the Second Amendment group. The company also said it does not sell "assault-style firearms, high-capacity firearms, semi-automatic firearms, hand guns or bump stocks."
L.L.Bean does not and never has supported the NRA. We also do not sell assault-style firearms, high-capacity firearms, semi-automatic firearms, hand guns or bump stocks. ^lb
— L.L.Bean (@LLBean) February 28, 2018
The company's decision on the minimum age requirement comes on the heels of similar announcements by corporations like Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Kroger, who all declared or recommitted their commitment to further restrict the sale of "assault-style" rifles and raise the minimum age for gun purchases. The retailers cited their unwillingness to wait for Congress to act before taking matters into their own hands.
Federal law already prohibits licensed gun sellers—such as L.L. Bean's location in Freeport, Maine—from allowing anyone under the age of 21 years of age to purchase a handgun. However, federal law does allow retailers to sell rifles, including "assault-style" rifles, to anyone 18 or older.