(a) In the event of electronic failure, scheduled computer downtime, or similar emergency beyond the control of the bureau or center which prevents or delays the checks from being made as provided in Code Section 16-11-173, the bureau shall immediately notify the requesting licensee of the reason for, and estimated length of, such delay. After such notification, the center shall, as soon as possible but in no event later than noon of the next business day after the day the request is made, inform the licensee if its records indicate the buyer or transferee is prohibited from possessing or transporting a firearm by state or federal law or if a requested purchase or transfer is authorized. Unless notified by the morning of the next day after the request is made that the potential buyer or transferee is so prohibited, the licensee may complete the transaction and shall not be deemed in violation of this part.

(b) A licensed dealer is not required to comply with the requirements of this part in the event of unavailability of telephone service at the licensed premises due to the failure of the entity which provides telephone service in the state, region, or other geographical area in which the licensee is located to provide telephone service to the premises of the licensee due to the location of such premises or the interruption of telephone service by reason of hurricane, tornado, flood, natural disaster, or other act of God, war, invasion, insurrection, riot, or other bona fide emergency, or other reason beyond the control of the licensee.