State Senator Patty Ritchie is asking Walmart why the company is requiring customers to present a permit for a pistol when they want to buy ammunition for it.

“We in the State Senate have rejected efforts to restrict the sale of ammunition to law abiding gun owners,” the Republican senator from Heuvelton said.

“I am concerned that Walmart’s policy in New York State creates more than an inconvenience for sportsmen, but may also unfairly and needlessly infringe upon their legal gun ownership rights.”

While New York State and the federal government impose age requirements, neither requires customers to show their pistol permit.

Ritchie asked the company if it is collecting personal information from gun owners that could jeopardize their privacy and safety if it were to fall into the hands of unscrupulous individuals.

Ritchie asked the company to explain their decision to require customers to present a pistol permit to purchase ammunition, the basis for the policy, and any information that the company used to establish it.

“Please advise me whether this policy reflects the standard practice in the industry,” she said. “I would also appreciate any suggestions you may have concerning possible legislation that I may propose to address this issue to ensure that gun owners’ rights are protected.”

Ritchie, a Republican, represents the 48th Senate District, which includes western St. Lawrence County, and all of Jefferson and Oswego counties.