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September 29, 2009, will be a big day for concealed carry permit holders in Arizona. For the first time since the passage of Arizona's concealed carry legislation in 1994, permit holders will be able to legally carry their concealed firearms into a restaurant or bar that serves alcohol.
While permit holders will not be permitted to consume alcohol, they will be able to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to self defense should the need arise. For the past 15 years this has not been the case. Arizona's original concealed carry laws prohibited anyone from carrying a firearm into any establishment that served alcohol for consumption "on the premises".
While the original intent was to maintain a separation of firearms and alcohol consumption, the actual effect was to disarm otherwise law abiding citizens who wished to dine out while maintaining possession of their legally carried firearms.
There is ample evidence of the fact that legally armed citizens can peacefully enjoy their restaurant meals without incident. Arizona was actually the 40th state to pass legislation permitting concealed carry in restaurants and bars by lawful permit holders.
Under the new law, restaurant owners maintain the right to prohibit concealed carry by their patrons. They can post "no firearms" signs meeting certain size, content and location requirements. The sign must be displayed immediately adjacent to the establishment's liquor license and should also be prominently displayed at the entrance to the establishment. Concealed carry permit holders may legally enter an establishment for the purpose of determining if firearms are permitted.
The new law applies only to lawful concealed carry by a permit holder. Open carry of a firearm in a restaurant or bar serving alcohol is not permitted under the new law.
Many Arizonans are curious as to how many of these signs will go up in restaurants and bars across the state. There is widespread speculation that most restaurants will be routinely putting up the "no firearms" signs. Organizations like the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association are considering publishing a list of "firearms friendly" restaurants to help guide their membership to establishments that support the new legislation.
While only time will tell how well the new legislation will be received by restaurant and bar owners, I'm betting that most of the 138,000 plus permit holders in Arizona are hoping that the number of restaurants putting up the "no firearms" signs will be small.