Do you carry in a "gun-free zone?

[robkarrob]

If your state has specific CCW regs for where you can not carry, I would suggest you abide by those laws. But just because a private business/company posts no guns allowed, I would not disarm. It is my right to carry, and the most they could do is request you leave their property, that is if they found you carrying. A violation of a private rule is not illegal. Now if you refused to leave, then they could call LE. The LE would ask you to leave, or ?

Most employers also have specific no guns allowed rules. The problem there is would you risk you job?

Bob

 

[Kanewpadle]

It's not quite as cut and dried and some seem to think. Demographics and region has a lot to do with it.

Here in Western Washington, we live among a very high percentage of gun hating liberals. I don't see many no gun signs. I ignore them anyway unless it's a federal or state law.

I maintain that if it's concealed, what's the problem?

Now don't be a hypocrite! Many of us exceed the speed limit, roll through a stop sign, and run red lights. Some of us do not report all earnings to the IRS. We cut corners and cheat a little here and there. Some of us more than others.

So if your guilty of simply being human, of simply trying to get by in life and survive, why in the heck are you worried about a no gun sign?

As I said before, I ignore those signs. They don't matter and are not an issue. Besides, it wouldn't matter one teeny bit to those property owners if I went somewhere else. There are too many others that patronize their business for me to matter. So I patronize any store I please. After all, maybe the ownership is anti gun. But maybe the employees inside that need their job are pro gun.

Can't have it both ways folks.

 

[deno56]

in illinois, we dont have to worry about if its ok or not to go some place with a gun......the whole state is NO GUN!!

some places in IL. is a no guns even in your own home.

 

[Old Unk]

Such signs are advisory.

 

[deno56]

in illinois, we dont have to worry about if its ok or not to go some place with a gun......the whole state is NO GUN!!

some places in IL. is a no gun even in your own home.

 

[StatesRightist]

We've done this before, some follow the signs, some don't care about the signs or the sign followers opinions. Past the poll, what's the point?

....and anyone who says it's simple and clear cut is obtuse.

 

[moosedog]

I take mine everywhere, private business, post office, what ever.
I took mine with me to Washington DC last year and wasn't allowed in a few places due to metal detectors.

 

[venomballistics]

your missing an option ... do your business never to return.
thats how I handle lesser known shops.

 

[sheepdawg]

It's their right to forbid guns on their property just like it's my right to not come back ever.

 

[Martya]

I voted don't come back because that is what I mostly do. Sometimes I have to enter, but here in PA those signs don't carry the weight of law. Given the opportunity I discuss with the owner. Most of the time the employees are there and I only mention my not returning due to the sign, hoping they mention something to the owner. I point out examples like the theater in CO that had the same sign....

 

[hobby-gunsmith]

do you carry in a GFZ

In Florida, a business may have a sign posted "no firearms permitted". You have to ask yourself whether you commit a trespass by going in the store. If so, then you've committed an "Armed trespass". which is a third degree felony. Attorney Jon H. Gutmacher, author of the Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership guide, opinions that your going into such a store or shopping mall is not a trespass just because they post a sign saying "No firearms" because you are still an "invitee", and they still want your business -- just without the weapon. Again, that ishis personal interepretation. A court could call me wrong, and if you want to play it safe -- obey the sign. This is "test cse" time again. ON the other hand, if you do follow his interpretation, and they asked you to leave, and you refused, or started to argue with them -- that would be another story, and you'd be in serious trouble because they've now made it clear thay want you off the property, and the law says you have only a reasonable time to leave -- not to argue or have a debate with them. Likewise, if they had a guard posted at the mall entrtance, and asked you if you were armed -- and you lied -- again, I think you have a problem. But, in essence, they really are only posting these things to protect themselves from a liability standpoint in case something happens. That way, you get sued -- they don't. Since the offense of trespass by an invitee would require a warning, and a refusal to depart, his opinion, is that you can't legally "refuse" until someone asks you to leave. Than, it's time to swallow your pride, and exit very quickly, and very politely. If the wife, and kids are somewhere else in the mall -- ask if they'll make an announcement. Don't push you luck if they're reluctant or refuse. Just get the hell out of there, pronto! If the wife or kinds will be confused -- try bribingf some honest-looking passerby outside the mall and notify them. All this is a lot better than an arrest, and a third degree felony on your record. Again, this is a quote from a prominant attorney in Orlando and many of the law enforcement agencies and courts use this book as a guide in the Florida Law. Hope this takes the guess work out of this situation.

Nick

 

[CigarGuy]

In Florida, a business may have a sign posted "no firearms permitted". You have to ask yourself whether you commit a trespass by going in the store. If so, then you've committed an "Armed trespass". which is a third degree felony. Attorney Jon H. Gutmacher, author of the Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership guide, opinions that your going into such a store or shopping mall is not a trespass just because they post a sign saying "No firearms" because you are still an "invitee", and they still want your business -- just without the weapon. Again, that ishis personal interepretation. A court could call me wrong, and if you want to play it safe -- obey the sign. This is "test cse" time again. ON the other hand, if you do follow his interpretation, and they asked you to leave, and you refused, or started to argue with them -- that would be another story, and you'd be in serious trouble because they've now made it clear thay want you off the property, and the law says you have only a reasonable time to leave -- not to argue or have a debate with them. Likewise, if they had a guard posted at the mall entrtance, and asked you if you were armed -- and you lied -- again, I think you have a problem. But, in essence, they really are only posting these things to protect themselves from a liability standpoint in case something happens. That way, you get sued -- they don't. Since the offense of trespass by an invitee would require a warning, and a refusal to depart, his opinion, is that you can't legally "refuse" until someone asks you to leave. Than, it's time to swallow your pride, and exit very quickly, and very politely. If the wife, and kids are somewhere else in the mall -- ask if they'll make an announcement. Don't push you luck if they're reluctant or refuse. Just get the hell out of there, pronto! If the wife or kinds will be confused -- try bribingf some honest-looking passerby outside the mall and notify them. All this is a lot better than an arrest, and a third degree felony on your record. Again, this is a quote from a prominant attorney in Orlando and many of the law enforcement agencies and courts use this book as a guide in the Florida Law. Hope this takes the guess work out of this situation.

Nick

While a wonderful analysis, I keep coming back to my original premise as to WHY would you even(want to?) go in the business in the first place? Because you can?

 

[Springfeildkid585]

I try to respect their rules, it's their property. If I see the sign, I turn back if that's an option. I have walked into a few buildings where I know it's unwelcome, but there is no sign. Even then, I try to minimize my time in there.

 

[hatt]

I don't ever look to see if there are signs when going into stores. Couldn't care less if they have one up, which is rare. Around here the places most likely to have a no guns sign is a gun store.

 

[Lost Lake]

I would never admit to breaking the law on a forum... Of course I always obey those signs.

One local farm supply store near me has a sign saying something like all guns must be unloaded and encased in a gun case EXCEPT for those persons who have a concealed carry permit and are exercising their right to legally carry a firearm.

I like that sign!

I'm going to start carrying some slips of paper I can hand clerks and owners asking them why they would post a 'no gun' rule and what they expect is going to happen besides keep the good guys unarmed and making the place safer for the bad guys.

 

[sierra255]

As much as I don't like it, I have to respect the store owners right to refuse anyone who is armed excluding LEO in performance of duty. I would simply turn around and find another business venue that meets my needs. If a store owner has gone to the extreme of posting a sign, you can bet that you will not change his mind, so, why get into a discussion you won't win..

I have been in cities that have signs posted "Gun Free Zone" (ya right) however my states laws allow active/retired LEO'S the right of carry so I am covered. If you must go into a business that say's no guns, then remember the old song from 1967 "Silence is Golden"
_________
Rodger
Retired LEO

 

[icemn]

What sign?

 

[Lineman73]

Georgia laws say that I can't carry to sporting events, government buildings, schools (unless picking up your children--mine are older than that)., churches and polling places. There is no mention of locations posted by the owner. However, if challenged by an owner and asked to leave, I will comply.....forever!

 

[cshoff]

I carry EVERYWHERE where it is legal for me to carry. However, I allow for the caveat that I don't do business with places who post "no guns" signs unless it is absolutely necessary (such as a hospital or some other private company that provides a unique service or product) - so it's not often that I have to "ignore" one of those signs that has no force of law in my state anyway.

 

[setxn]

I've been boycotting businesses for all of my adult life.So far it has been for bad service,crappy food,inferior products etc. No gun related boycotts yet. The businesses I have boycotted through the years are all still in business,some are even thriving.I still get that warm and fuzzy feeling for denying them my hard earned money but it hasn't hurt them one bit. Here in Texas there only two signs that have any legal force to them and they are very specific to their wording,lettering size,location and even color when it pertains to alcohol on premise. Verbal or written notice by on site authority carries the same legal standing as a proper sign. So your decision is simple-pass the proper signs and break the law or not. If no legal sign is present keep your firearm concealed properly and your pie hole closed and it will work out fine.