Special to The Hays Daily News

SALINA -- City officials in Salina are working with federal authorities to determine how 10 residents received federal gun licenses without city approval.

Salina officials are pushing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to take away the licenses of 10 residents who they said are selling or repairing guns out of their homes without city approval.

Dean Andrew, Salina's planning and zoning administrator, told the Salina Journal that the city wants to have firearm dealers only in commercial locations.

Tabre Perez, who was trying to open a home-based Internet business selling guns, gave Andrew a list of 10 people in Salina who had Federal Firearm Licenses, similar to the one he was trying to receive.

To get the federal license, Perez needed the city permit, and his application was denied by the Board of Zoning Appeals.

"We were caught off guard by the list of people who have them," Andrew said. "It was our belief that if they didn't get a (city) permit, the ATF wouldn't issue a license."

He said the ATF's office in Kansas City is investigating to see if each person who has a federal firearm license also has a city permit.

Rita Womack, area supervisor for the ATF industry operations, said ATF issues federal licenses based on certain requirements.

"They must have no criminal violations and we require the applicant meet all local and state laws and regulations," Womack said.

Womack said she couldn't comment on the situation in Salina because she didn't have all the details.

Andrew said he has denied several permits and the city knows of only two people who had city permits for gunsmithing. He said he felt uncomfortable approving a permit for Perez because of a lack of regulation and safety concerns.

Salina attorney John Reynolds, a Saline County commissioner and gun enthusiast, said he believes the city has no right to take away the federal licenses.

"Most home-based dealers are special-order guys," said Reynolds, who does not have a federal license. "They don't have the firearms for more than a couple days. They are in the business to move material as quick as possible and keep turning a dollar."