ATF Updates Its Policy After
Quashing Previous "Zero-Tolerance"

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under President Donald Trump (R) recently announced that is replacing the previously nixed "zero-tolerance" policy that had been in place during the Biden administration.

Under the new policy, inspections of federal firearms licensees (FFLs) will "consider all circumstances of an inspection rather than applying automatic outcomes, ensuring ATF uses its regulatory power fairly and effectively."

"This update is about getting it right and making sure we're focused on public safety," said ATF Acting Director Daniel Driscoll. "Under the previous policy, some licensees were being penalized for simple mistakes such as, forgetting to put their license number on forms. This new guidance gives our investigators the discretion to tell the difference between an honest mistake and a real threat to public safety. Law-abiding dealers deserve a system that treats them fairly, not like suspects. They are our partners and the first line of defense in our efforts to combat firearms trafficking."

The updated policy features five key components, all of which are directed at enforcing the law properly and fairly. .....