So I went to my local movie theater this week and low and behold there is a new sign that says no firearms. My question is this. If I do carry here am I breaking the law or can they only throw me out of there establishment? Anyone know the answer or know where I can find out?
Carrying question
- Thread starter TimNelson
- Start date
troy_mclure
New member
first what state are you in?
check your states ccw laws. some states it is only civil trespass, others its criminal trespass.
check your states ccw laws. some states it is only civil trespass, others its criminal trespass.
Not a lawyer but something to think about
Yes, do look and know your state laws.
Here's something to think about. Back in 1991 in Killeen, Texas a Luby's Massacre.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed_carry
"Research into the effects of concealed carry laws on crime..........
Don Kates summarizes the consensus reached by criminological research into gun control thus:
........In 1991, the Luby's massacre prompted Texas lawmakers to pass a concealed carry law that came into effect in 1995."
Basically, a woman had a pistol but obeyed the sign at Luby's for no firearms. She left her gun in her car.
Just a note: when you carry concealed - It's CONCEALED. No one should know you are carrying.
Yes, do look and know your state laws.
Here's something to think about. Back in 1991 in Killeen, Texas a Luby's Massacre.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concealed_carry
"Research into the effects of concealed carry laws on crime..........
Don Kates summarizes the consensus reached by criminological research into gun control thus:
........In 1991, the Luby's massacre prompted Texas lawmakers to pass a concealed carry law that came into effect in 1995."
Basically, a woman had a pistol but obeyed the sign at Luby's for no firearms. She left her gun in her car.
Just a note: when you carry concealed - It's CONCEALED. No one should know you are carrying.
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TimNelson,
I've just gone over the PA firearms regs, and can see your dilemma. I can find nothing concerning carry on private property.
I am not a lawyer!, but my interpretation is that their are no laws preventing you from carrying in private establishments whether they are posted or not. You can be asked to leave.
There is a rule for criminal trespass, but hopefully that does not apply in your case!
I've just gone over the PA firearms regs, and can see your dilemma. I can find nothing concerning carry on private property.
I am not a lawyer!, but my interpretation is that their are no laws preventing you from carrying in private establishments whether they are posted or not. You can be asked to leave.
There is a rule for criminal trespass, but hopefully that does not apply in your case!
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
If a business establishment has a no firearm rule (posted sign - no matter what size it is) I respect their wishes or do not enter their storefront. That simple. Now if I decide to ignore their posting and carry anyway, I have assumed what ever happens is my responsibility. If I get away with it - so be it. If I get noticed carrying and they decide to call law enforcement - so be it. I am responsible for my actions.
You can decide to "roll" through your local stop sign if you want. If you get caught - so be it. Don't complain. Accept responsibility.
For me it's easier to respect the wishes of others than to assert myself over them as I am the one responsible for my choices.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
If a business establishment has a no firearm rule (posted sign - no matter what size it is) I respect their wishes or do not enter their storefront. That simple. Now if I decide to ignore their posting and carry anyway, I have assumed what ever happens is my responsibility. If I get away with it - so be it. If I get noticed carrying and they decide to call law enforcement - so be it. I am responsible for my actions.
You can decide to "roll" through your local stop sign if you want. If you get caught - so be it. Don't complain. Accept responsibility.
For me it's easier to respect the wishes of others than to assert myself over them as I am the one responsible for my choices.
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orionengnr
New member
Thought I had it, but can't find it right now.
There is a neat little graphic that you can print up and use in a situation like this...it basicallly shows a handgun with the red circle and diagonal line though it, and then it has an "equals" sign, and then a dollar sign with the same red circle/diagonal. "No handguns equals no dollars". Print them up, carry a few, and be sure to hand one to any business practitioner who seeks to deprive you of your rights.
There is a neat little graphic that you can print up and use in a situation like this...it basicallly shows a handgun with the red circle and diagonal line though it, and then it has an "equals" sign, and then a dollar sign with the same red circle/diagonal. "No handguns equals no dollars". Print them up, carry a few, and be sure to hand one to any business practitioner who seeks to deprive you of your rights.
btolliverjr
New member
Those signs, regardless of size, are always broken. 
When I first got my PA permit, the only thing I was told was, dont go in the state parks, and dont cross the river into NJ.
I still have yet to see any "guidelines" from the counties that have issued my permits, and they usually dont offer advice.
About the only places you cant go are state and federal courthouses (you have to check your gun), schools (but theres a "but", the way the law reads, there is the ever present "any other lawful purpose" clause, so maybe/maybe not), some state parks, or even areas of some state parks, depends on hunting seasons, and up until recently, maybe or maybe not, federal parks. Probably ought to stay out of federal buildings too, unless they let you check your gun. Post offices are an ongoing debate, and they have conflicting cites, so you have to decide what you want to do.
Private property is at your own risk. If your doing everything right, they'll never know, unless something goes wrong and you need your gun, then you'll be glad the sign was broken. Personally, I ignore the signs and go about my business.
When I first got my PA permit, the only thing I was told was, dont go in the state parks, and dont cross the river into NJ.
I still have yet to see any "guidelines" from the counties that have issued my permits, and they usually dont offer advice.
About the only places you cant go are state and federal courthouses (you have to check your gun), schools (but theres a "but", the way the law reads, there is the ever present "any other lawful purpose" clause, so maybe/maybe not), some state parks, or even areas of some state parks, depends on hunting seasons, and up until recently, maybe or maybe not, federal parks. Probably ought to stay out of federal buildings too, unless they let you check your gun. Post offices are an ongoing debate, and they have conflicting cites, so you have to decide what you want to do.
Private property is at your own risk. If your doing everything right, they'll never know, unless something goes wrong and you need your gun, then you'll be glad the sign was broken. Personally, I ignore the signs and go about my business.
chris in va
New member
No debate, it was decided a long time ago they are a federal building. No loaded carry, shipping only.
Ridgerunner665
New member
I'd find another movie theater ...If they don't allow my gun, they don't get my business. I don't care if it means driving 100 miles or more out of the way to watch the movie (or whatever the case may be)
thankyou btolliverjr for the website it was very helpful as far as that whole respect thing. I understand that I am taking my own chances when violating a places policy. What concerns me is what if I had not seen the sign then what would have happened. I said the sign was new which I am assuming is true...but what if it wasnt and I had just never seen it before would I have gotten in trouble for it? Are there other establishments that have similar policies that I am not aware of? I was just trying to find out what the law was not debate whether I should have my firearm there or not
Each state's laws may vary on this, but I know in Texas you can have your CHL suspended (or, if you've had problems before) revoked entirely if you carry concealed without your CHL license.
Bottom line is that if you wish to carry a firearm under the provision of your state's concealed carry statutes, it is wise indeed to know said statutes thoroughly. In all likelihood, you will need to know them BETTER than the LEO's you happen across. Even then, you may find yourself spending time at a police station waiting for them to get things sorted out. The LEO will never be penalized for erring on the side of caution and taking you to the police station; you, on the other hand, face very grave penalties indeed should you run afoul of your state's carry laws.
In my state if a movie theater posted a sign, you could be asked to leave under penalty of trespassing only if you refused to leave. If you refused and they called the police, you could be cited. The fine would be small and not result in loss of license. I live in N. Nev. and haven't seen a sign posted at a movie theater.
Why would anyone know you have a gun?
If you're asking people to answer questions about the laws in your state, in lieu of you looking up the laws, wouldn't it be appropriate to mention which state you live in?
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Being a "law abiding" citizen I too have seen such signs at local malls. I have a moral conflict deciding as to whether to go back and leave the gun in the car, or go about my business. I pocket carry or have the gun in a shoulder rig. Neither of these methods really put the possibility in play of having my gun fall out, or being on display. It is after all a concealed weapon. I always dress in a manner which allows no person to accidentally see my weapon, or affect a print of the firearm.
How many incidents have we all seen where a subject has opened fire in a public place? Too many. How many times have each and every one of us thought that if only one person had a firearm, (who subsequently perished) possibly wouldn't have if only they had a gun to at least protect them selves with? Thusly, I do carry on private property even with signs posted.
As too state law, Oregon's law state that you shall always carry your concealed weapon permit every time that you are in possession of your firearm outside the limits of your home, or in the process of going to or from an area were target practice is being conducted. You right to conceal carry is pretty much subject to confiscation.
How many incidents have we all seen where a subject has opened fire in a public place? Too many. How many times have each and every one of us thought that if only one person had a firearm, (who subsequently perished) possibly wouldn't have if only they had a gun to at least protect them selves with? Thusly, I do carry on private property even with signs posted.
As too state law, Oregon's law state that you shall always carry your concealed weapon permit every time that you are in possession of your firearm outside the limits of your home, or in the process of going to or from an area were target practice is being conducted. You right to conceal carry is pretty much subject to confiscation.
carprivershooter
New member
Sign or no sign
I don't think an answer should be given to that question. This guy doesn't give much information, Maybe I am parinoid
. but what if this guy is some gun grabber and is posing as a member to ask questions and using the information gleened here to make us look like fools or that we don't check facts. Several members have stated he needs to check the laws in his state. If you carry know the laws. The law was part of the training required to get my CCW permit in my county of michigan. Maybe I am parinoid. I have been told I was crazy
.
I don't think an answer should be given to that question. This guy doesn't give much information, Maybe I am parinoid
. but what if this guy is some gun grabber and is posing as a member to ask questions and using the information gleened here to make us look like fools or that we don't check facts. Several members have stated he needs to check the laws in his state. If you carry know the laws. The law was part of the training required to get my CCW permit in my county of michigan. Maybe I am parinoid. I have been told I was crazy.