Concealed Carry? Gun-Free Zones You Need To Be Aware Of
A concealed carry permit is a permit that allows you to carry a loaded handgun with you in public. The gun has to be concealed, meaning that it has to remain hidden from sight. You aren't allowed to walk around with it in your hand or even in a holster unless it is covered by your clothing. One misconception is that if you have a concealed carry permit, you can take your weapon anywhere you want. However, you are never allowed to bring your weapon into gun-free zones. Here are gun-free zones that you need to be aware of before you take your gun with you in public.
Government Property
Some people think that you only can't bring a firearm into government buildings that contain courtrooms, but you can't bring a concealed weapon onto most federal properties. These properties consist of the different departments such as the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and many others. There are many common categories of federal properties that don't allow firearms. These include the Post Office, service centers, and federal prisons. Federal cemeteries don't allow firearms either. These can include cemeteries dedicated to police officers and veterans.
Bars
Concealed carry laws at bars are different. These laws vary by state and often have more gray areas. Some states don't allow guns at bars at all while others allow them, unless the owners decide they want to prohibit them. Some other states allow them, but they put stipulations on the law. For example, Illinois enacted the 50% rule. People can only carry a concealed weapon into a bar or restaurant if less than 50% of their sales are from alcohol. You will have to find out what the laws are for your state. If you are allowed to concealed carry in a bar, you need to be extra vigilant and exercise proper judgment. When people are intoxicated, they're more likely to fight. Pulling out your gun to try and stop the fight could end up escalating the issue. Never pull your gun out unless you intend to shoot.
Schools
Schools are a gun-free zone. Of course, that hasn't stopped people from bringing guns into schools over the years. As of the beginning of May 2016, there have been 176 school shootings in the United States since 2013. Most of these shootings have either been at a high school or a college/university. Schools can contact local police stations and ask that they send officers during the day to provide extra protection to the students; however, parents are never allowed to just show up with a concealed weapon to serve as extra muscle to keep the school safe. Even if you're just dropping off your child or coming in for lunch, you have to leave the weapon at home.
Movie Theaters
Movie theaters are another gun-free zone. When the news hit about the man who shot people in a theater during The Dark Knight Rises, everyone was in shock. It made people fearful of taking a family trip to the local theater because you never know who has a gun in their pocket, and it's difficult to protect yourself in a dark and confined space. However, you can't bring a weapon on your next trip to the theater in an effort to defend yourself.
Many people believe that gun-free zones make the properties less safe because it lets a criminal know that no one on the property will have a gun to defend themselves with. However, not following the laws can lead to serious consequences, such as loss of your permit and firearms, fines, and even jail time.
For more information on concealed carry licenses, contact a company like Chauncey's Pawn & Gun.