Concealed Carry Question
 

I seem to recall that one of the PROHIBITED places that you can legally carry (w/permit) is into any establishment serving alchoholic beverages. Seems to me this may be one of the places you need it the most. If you should take your spouse or significant other out for the evening for cocktails and/or dinner, and you are walking to and from the parking lot, you can be vulnerable. I'm interested to know how others are handling this issue. While I don't want to intentionally violate the law, I do not intend to become a target. I am mindful of the old axiom...the time you leave it at home is when you may need it...comments??:wavey:

Alcohol and Firearms are NOT a good mix...period.

I agree. It's not the fact that alcohol is served at the location, but the statute tries to keep you from brandishing or shooting the weapon while intoxicated. If you had it in your hidden holster, and weren't drinking then who would ever know? It would be easy enough to explain the use of the gun where it's not allowed if you used it properly and were not drinking at all. If you have been drinking and show/use the gun,,, look out. The laws gonna bite you pretty bad.

You can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol but not into the bar area if there is one. I would never drink while carrying. I would never walk into a bar while carrying. The minute you walk in the door of a bar you are in violation and subject to arrest.

You can also get a lock, usually your local police or sheriff's dept will give them to you free and you can conceal and lock it in your car.

Actually, it's not that firearms and alcohol doesn't mix well, BRAINS and alcohol do not mix well, which is the actual root of the problem... :D

I'd be more concerned over the civil repurcussions.
A decent attorney can probably beat the criminal issue, or at least minimize the damage, if you're using the weapon in self defense/defense of others; however, you'll lose your permit AND give the anti-gunners more fuel for thier witch hunt fire.
The civil side is going to be very ugly!
If/when your BAC is determined, the plaintiff's counsel is going to use that, along with your violation of the statute (dont' think they can use the acutal conviction though), to eat you alive in civil court.
The $$$ damages can bankrupt you.....

Exactly.
You're restricted from carrying concealed in an establishment that received over a certain percentage of it's profits from the sale of alcohol, or sells alcohol as it's primary product.

85Vette is correct....alcohol and firearms = bad mix!:thumbsdown:

Thanx for the comments! Just trying to get back into the habit of carrying after being lax the last few years. Guess I'm watching too much news lately. Life is good but the world we live in appears to be deteriorating.

As a point of interest, the Texas law is a bit more specific. It is legal to carry there into any establishment that derives less than 50% of its gross revenue from the sale of alchoholic beverages. This pretty much clears the way for most good restaurants. Its really not the establishment that concerns me but the journey to and from the parking area...and we NEVER valet park the vette....:hehehe:

Yes, I teach alcohol compliance to establishments that sell and server alcohol. You can carry concealed as long as you don't sit at the "bar" or the area that servers/prepares the alcohol.

Steve

The BOLDED sections above are the areas you need to pay specific interest. The term primarily devioted to is the key when entering any establishment that serves alcohol.

Even then, it may still lend itself to interpretation (meaning you'lkl have to have your attorney interpret it in court:eek:) if you get caught sitting at the "bar" in the Outback Steakhouse for example.

Even though many people eat there, it's "primary function" will likely be determined to be the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The term "nuisance establishment" is also one you want to pay particular attention to.

Let's assume you go to a local restaurant that has a "shady" character, has had it's share of "disturbance calls" (which could be simply loud music), yet still has a designated restaurant area.
If there have been eoungh calls for service at the location, it's now considered a nuisance establishment....oops!...again:eek:

Good to know your locations as well as your statutes:thumbsup:

I think you'll agree that you don't have to be seated at the bar. Most restaurants have a designated area that is considered the bar and the entire area is off limits.