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Restaurants…those places where we love to eat, drink, and be merry. Restaurants are often venues for celebrating birthdays and special occasions. Sometimes people go to restaurants just to take a break, have a meeting, or simply bond with others. Yet everything could change in an instant if someone decides to draw their weapon. It’s when planning for these emergencies that you find yourself wondering how to concealed carry in restaurants. In a life-threatening situation it’s best to be knowledgeable and best to be safe. In this article, we will learn about restaurant concealed carry.
Before we start though, remember to check your state laws. In some states you may not be allowed to draw your weapon inside a restaurant. That being said, let’s get on with it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONCEALED CARRY IN RESTAURANTS
When it comes to concealed carrying in restaurants, the law varies from one state to another. Being in a bar does not mean that you cannot legally protect yourself but many states have very specific restrictions on how, when, and where you can carry a firearm. So before sidling up to the bar for a shot of whiskey and some wings consider the following about concealed carrying at a bar:
State Laws Prohibit Carrying While Drinking
Before heading out to eat, check state laws regarding carrying in restaurants and bars. In Michigan, for example, it is explicitly illegal to consume alcohol and carry a concealed firearm on your person on the premises of a restaurant serving alcohol.
When learning how to concealed carry in restaurants, you need to keep in mind that most states reserve the right to revoke a concealed carry permit under reasonable suspicion and chemical analysis. If a police officer has probable cause to believe that you may have been drinking while carrying a weapon, state laws could authorize officials to revoke your carry permit. Most states explicitly state these restrictions.
Gray Area for Concealed Carry in Alcohol Serving Restaurants
Some states, like Montana, have specific laws for a restaurant concealed carry. In Montana, you cannot carry a concealed firearm into an establishment serving alcohol. In Alabama, however, the rules are quite fuzzy. The state has the authority to issue a permit but counties have the power to revoke these permits and with that already being complicated keep in mind that there have been conflicting reports on whether or not, in Alabama, you can take a handgun into a restaurant that has a bar. While it may be possible to do so, it’s best not to risk carrying your firearm into a restaurant or bar if such scenarios are not clearly stated by the law.
The Law Is Always Changing – Know Your Rights
As recently as 2010, Virginia passed a law allowing residents with concealed carry permits to legally enter establishments that serve alcohol as long as these carriers do not imbibe. Laws are subject to change at any time and therefore it is your responsibility as a gun owner to be knowledgeable. Here is a summary of state regulations when it comes to concealed carrying in restaurants.
WAYS TO CONCEALED CARRY IN A RESTAURANT
If concealed carry in a restaurant is legal in your state you can now consider the problem of how to best concealed carry in restaurants. As always you need to consider the speed of your draw. This is important because drawing a split second too late could end in tragedy. Here are some best practices you need to keep in mind with regard to being effective with a restaurant concealed carry.
Weapon Placement with Consideration to Sitting
How can you enjoy your meal if your concealed firearm is digging into you the whole time you’re at the table? The positioning of your concealed weapon relative to your body is an important consideration when concealed carrying in restaurants. Certain holster positions may either leave the barrel digging uncomfortably into your inner thigh or pointing at your groin (which can occupy your mind and ruin those nice light dinner conversations). The most comfortable and streamlined approach to concealed carrying in this situation is the standard 3 o’clock position. This is also ideal if you are wearing a suit, coat, or untucked button-up shirt.
A word of caution when adjusting your holster position: make sure only to adjust your holster in a private stall in the bathroom. Because a concealed carry must be, well, concealed, it’s not advised to ever readjust your holster in a place where someone could see you doing so.
Body Placement Inside The Restaurant
One of the things you need to practice when learning how to concealed carry in restaurants is situational awareness. Think about your placement. Consider positioning yourself facing the main entrance and/or bathrooms. This way, you’ll have a view of the main flow of people coming and going. Avoid sitting with your back to a door or window as this will leave you vulnerable to surprise and in a bad position for reacting to a threat.
On a high traffic evening, you might need to wait a bit longer for a suitable table. This could be worth it. If anyone in your party thinks you’re acting funny, just play it off as personal preference. Safety is important.
Printing While Seated – How Much Is Too Much?
If you’re carrying with an inside the waistband holster at the recommended 3 o’clock position, it’s likely that there will be some printing when seated. If you’re more of a 4 o’clock kind of guy and end up sitting on a stool or high chair, printing only gets worse. To remedy the situation, consider wearing a light jacket or button up-shirt when in these situations. This will help conceal the outline of your firearm. Remember that the first word in concealed carry is “concealed.”
If you find your weapon printing too heavily for your liking, remember only to readjust your holster in a private area such as a bathroom stall. If only high seats are available at the restaurant, be mindful to cover up your holster with an outer garment that is loose enough to not become stretched tight around your weapon’s grip.
Pocket Carry
When executing a pocket carry, one important thing to consider is to make sure your gun’s muzzle does not end up pointing at anyone. For this carry you should actively be thinking about and planning where you are going to be sitting at the table. If not you could end up accidentally pointing a loaded gun at a family member or date. Sitting on the left hand side furthest out is generally a good position for concealed carriers seated at tables so that your right leg will point into an open walking area and not at any particular person.
TIPS FOR CONCEALED CARRYING WHILE DRINKING
Carrying a concealed weapon is a huge responsibility. Unfortunately, it can be hard to keep that in mind when you are out partying and drinking with friends. People who execute a restaurant concealed carry do enjoy a cocktail or adult beverage once in a while and there’s generally nothing wrong with that. However, you could face serious consequences if something happens because you acted irresponsibly. Here are some tips that every concealed carrier should keep in mind while drinking.
Don’t Drink and Carry
Let’s face it, guns and alcohol do not mix. We all know the effects of alcohol on the mind. When you drink, it can be hard to think straight. Your decision-making gets clouded. While concealed carrying in a restaurant may be allowed in your state, it’s still a personal decision to do so and the responsibility lies with the carrier. If you do choose to carry into a bar, just make sure that you can control yourself. In some states, you are allowed to carry and drink only up to a certain level. But when it comes to self-defense after dinner or on your way back to the car, it’s going to be a lot easier to handle a threat stone-cold sober.
If You Plan on Drinking and Not Carrying, Bring a Friend
If you choose to drink and therefore not to carry, make sure to bring a buddy with you. Bars are notorious for being rowdy. Remember, if you’re not carrying and something happens, you won’t have your weapon as a line of defense. If you’re not carrying, think about bringing a friend who will be. Remember to check CCW reciprocity law if drinking in another state. Always be aware of these regulations before heading out.
All Arguments Can Wait
Sometimes in the middle of a discussion, your emotions can get the best of you, especially if you’ve been drinking. If you have been drinking, take a step back and breathe. One good rule you should keep in mind when learning how to concealed carry in restaurants is learning how to walk away from potentially violent situations.
Know Your Limits
It’s worth saying it again so please do not forget that carrying when drinking alcohol is not advisable. Alcohol acts as a depressant that can dull and slow down your reflexes. When you are intoxicated, your ability to hold your gun steady is negatively impacted, as is your speed in drawing and firing. These are two factors that are crucial in the face of a threat. Don’t be caught off guard or unprepared.
If You’re Spotted and Asked to Leave…Leave
The goal of concealed carry is to keep your weapon concealed. But when you are in the middle of a party situation and people are dancing and drinking, mistakes can happen. While most people at a party aren’t likely to notice your concealed firearm, someone might spot it due to printing, dancing, or because of some other circumstance. With that said, if a manager, bartender, hostess or other employee asks you to leave, just comply. There’s no reason to create a scene and refusing to leave will only make matters worse. Remember, if you properly conceal your weapon in the first place, this situation won’t occur.
Don’t Get Involved in Other People’s Arguments
Avoid arguments at all costs. Bars aren’t just a place to take the edge off, they’re also routinely the locale for arguments between lovers, friends, estranged couples, and even complete strangers. With the aid of alcohol, these arguments can often escalate quickly and trying to play the part of the pacifier is a bad idea. When considering a restaurant concealed carry, being the “good guy” is not always advisable. With alcohol involved, it’s best to stay out of other people’s business, especially if you’ve been drinking.
LAWS ON RESTAURANT CONCEALED CARRY
When it comes to a restaurant concealed carry, some state laws allow permit holders to carry firearms in bars and restaurants. Other states have various regulations prohibiting such carrying. In some states, the law prohibits carrying in any establishment that serves alcohol. Other states have more complicated laws. For instance, in Texas, they follow the 51% rule. If more than half an establishment’s sales are alcohol-related, signs are posted and weapons are not allowed to be brought onto the premises.
Establishments, not only patrons, may be subjected to potential consequences for violations of these laws. These consequences could be something as simple as a small fine or, in some cases, something more severe, like jail time. Always check state laws or county and city ordinances before carrying in any establishment that serves alcohol.
Concealed carrying in restaurants, especially those with bars where drinking is common, is a unique situation. People will act differently once they have consumed large amounts of alcohol. Some establishments are calm, while others are geared more towards a hectic style of nightlife. These energetic nightlife establishments typically cater to folks in their 20s and 30s and the potential for violence is highest in this type of establishment. Be extra cautious when choosing to drink in these kinds of bars because if you end up in a violent encounter in places like these prosecutors might argue that you were acting reckless and even looking for trouble just by being there. As much as possible, avoid these places when carrying.
Learning how to concealed carry in restaurants will make a difference in your ability to keep yourself out of trouble and out of harm’s way. Drinking is fine, but you should always do so responsibly. What are your thoughts on carrying a concealed weapon in a restaurant? Share your them with us in the comments section below.
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How to Concealed Carry in Restaurants: Restaurant Concealed Carry
The GMW Concealed Carry Gun Pack. Now available now on Amazon.com.
BUY NOW
BUY NOW
Restaurants…those places where we love to eat, drink, and be merry. Restaurants are often venues for celebrating birthdays and special occasions. Sometimes people go to restaurants just to take a break, have a meeting, or simply bond with others. Yet everything could change in an instant if someone decides to draw their weapon. It’s when planning for these emergencies that you find yourself wondering how to concealed carry in restaurants. In a life-threatening situation it’s best to be knowledgeable and best to be safe. In this article, we will learn about restaurant concealed carry.
Before we start though, remember to check your state laws. In some states you may not be allowed to draw your weapon inside a restaurant. That being said, let’s get on with it.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONCEALED CARRY IN RESTAURANTS
When it comes to concealed carrying in restaurants, the law varies from one state to another. Being in a bar does not mean that you cannot legally protect yourself but many states have very specific restrictions on how, when, and where you can carry a firearm. So before sidling up to the bar for a shot of whiskey and some wings consider the following about concealed carrying at a bar:
State Laws Prohibit Carrying While Drinking
Before heading out to eat, check state laws regarding carrying in restaurants and bars. In Michigan, for example, it is explicitly illegal to consume alcohol and carry a concealed firearm on your person on the premises of a restaurant serving alcohol.
When learning how to concealed carry in restaurants, you need to keep in mind that most states reserve the right to revoke a concealed carry permit under reasonable suspicion and chemical analysis. If a police officer has probable cause to believe that you may have been drinking while carrying a weapon, state laws could authorize officials to revoke your carry permit. Most states explicitly state these restrictions.
Gray Area for Concealed Carry in Alcohol Serving Restaurants
Some states, like Montana, have specific laws for a restaurant concealed carry. In Montana, you cannot carry a concealed firearm into an establishment serving alcohol. In Alabama, however, the rules are quite fuzzy. The state has the authority to issue a permit but counties have the power to revoke these permits and with that already being complicated keep in mind that there have been conflicting reports on whether or not, in Alabama, you can take a handgun into a restaurant that has a bar. While it may be possible to do so, it’s best not to risk carrying your firearm into a restaurant or bar if such scenarios are not clearly stated by the law.
The Law Is Always Changing – Know Your Rights
As recently as 2010, Virginia passed a law allowing residents with concealed carry permits to legally enter establishments that serve alcohol as long as these carriers do not imbibe. Laws are subject to change at any time and therefore it is your responsibility as a gun owner to be knowledgeable. Here is a summary of state regulations when it comes to concealed carrying in restaurants.
WAYS TO CONCEALED CARRY IN A RESTAURANT
If concealed carry in a restaurant is legal in your state you can now consider the problem of how to best concealed carry in restaurants. As always you need to consider the speed of your draw. This is important because drawing a split second too late could end in tragedy. Here are some best practices you need to keep in mind with regard to being effective with a restaurant concealed carry.
Weapon Placement with Consideration to Sitting
How can you enjoy your meal if your concealed firearm is digging into you the whole time you’re at the table? The positioning of your concealed weapon relative to your body is an important consideration when concealed carrying in restaurants. Certain holster positions may either leave the barrel digging uncomfortably into your inner thigh or pointing at your groin (which can occupy your mind and ruin those nice light dinner conversations). The most comfortable and streamlined approach to concealed carrying in this situation is the standard 3 o’clock position. This is also ideal if you are wearing a suit, coat, or untucked button-up shirt.
A word of caution when adjusting your holster position: make sure only to adjust your holster in a private stall in the bathroom. Because a concealed carry must be, well, concealed, it’s not advised to ever readjust your holster in a place where someone could see you doing so.
Body Placement Inside The Restaurant
One of the things you need to practice when learning how to concealed carry in restaurants is situational awareness. Think about your placement. Consider positioning yourself facing the main entrance and/or bathrooms. This way, you’ll have a view of the main flow of people coming and going. Avoid sitting with your back to a door or window as this will leave you vulnerable to surprise and in a bad position for reacting to a threat.
On a high traffic evening, you might need to wait a bit longer for a suitable table. This could be worth it. If anyone in your party thinks you’re acting funny, just play it off as personal preference. Safety is important.
Printing While Seated – How Much Is Too Much?
If you’re carrying with an inside the waistband holster at the recommended 3 o’clock position, it’s likely that there will be some printing when seated. If you’re more of a 4 o’clock kind of guy and end up sitting on a stool or high chair, printing only gets worse. To remedy the situation, consider wearing a light jacket or button up-shirt when in these situations. This will help conceal the outline of your firearm. Remember that the first word in concealed carry is “concealed.”
If you find your weapon printing too heavily for your liking, remember only to readjust your holster in a private area such as a bathroom stall. If only high seats are available at the restaurant, be mindful to cover up your holster with an outer garment that is loose enough to not become stretched tight around your weapon’s grip.
Pocket Carry
When executing a pocket carry, one important thing to consider is to make sure your gun’s muzzle does not end up pointing at anyone. For this carry you should actively be thinking about and planning where you are going to be sitting at the table. If not you could end up accidentally pointing a loaded gun at a family member or date. Sitting on the left hand side furthest out is generally a good position for concealed carriers seated at tables so that your right leg will point into an open walking area and not at any particular person.
TIPS FOR CONCEALED CARRYING WHILE DRINKING
Carrying a concealed weapon is a huge responsibility. Unfortunately, it can be hard to keep that in mind when you are out partying and drinking with friends. People who execute a restaurant concealed carry do enjoy a cocktail or adult beverage once in a while and there’s generally nothing wrong with that. However, you could face serious consequences if something happens because you acted irresponsibly. Here are some tips that every concealed carrier should keep in mind while drinking.
Don’t Drink and Carry
Let’s face it, guns and alcohol do not mix. We all know the effects of alcohol on the mind. When you drink, it can be hard to think straight. Your decision-making gets clouded. While concealed carrying in a restaurant may be allowed in your state, it’s still a personal decision to do so and the responsibility lies with the carrier. If you do choose to carry into a bar, just make sure that you can control yourself. In some states, you are allowed to carry and drink only up to a certain level. But when it comes to self-defense after dinner or on your way back to the car, it’s going to be a lot easier to handle a threat stone-cold sober.
If You Plan on Drinking and Not Carrying, Bring a Friend
If you choose to drink and therefore not to carry, make sure to bring a buddy with you. Bars are notorious for being rowdy. Remember, if you’re not carrying and something happens, you won’t have your weapon as a line of defense. If you’re not carrying, think about bringing a friend who will be. Remember to check CCW reciprocity law if drinking in another state. Always be aware of these regulations before heading out.
All Arguments Can Wait
Sometimes in the middle of a discussion, your emotions can get the best of you, especially if you’ve been drinking. If you have been drinking, take a step back and breathe. One good rule you should keep in mind when learning how to concealed carry in restaurants is learning how to walk away from potentially violent situations.
Know Your Limits
It’s worth saying it again so please do not forget that carrying when drinking alcohol is not advisable. Alcohol acts as a depressant that can dull and slow down your reflexes. When you are intoxicated, your ability to hold your gun steady is negatively impacted, as is your speed in drawing and firing. These are two factors that are crucial in the face of a threat. Don’t be caught off guard or unprepared.
If You’re Spotted and Asked to Leave…Leave
The goal of concealed carry is to keep your weapon concealed. But when you are in the middle of a party situation and people are dancing and drinking, mistakes can happen. While most people at a party aren’t likely to notice your concealed firearm, someone might spot it due to printing, dancing, or because of some other circumstance. With that said, if a manager, bartender, hostess or other employee asks you to leave, just comply. There’s no reason to create a scene and refusing to leave will only make matters worse. Remember, if you properly conceal your weapon in the first place, this situation won’t occur.
Don’t Get Involved in Other People’s Arguments
Avoid arguments at all costs. Bars aren’t just a place to take the edge off, they’re also routinely the locale for arguments between lovers, friends, estranged couples, and even complete strangers. With the aid of alcohol, these arguments can often escalate quickly and trying to play the part of the pacifier is a bad idea. When considering a restaurant concealed carry, being the “good guy” is not always advisable. With alcohol involved, it’s best to stay out of other people’s business, especially if you’ve been drinking.
LAWS ON RESTAURANT CONCEALED CARRY
When it comes to a restaurant concealed carry, some state laws allow permit holders to carry firearms in bars and restaurants. Other states have various regulations prohibiting such carrying. In some states, the law prohibits carrying in any establishment that serves alcohol. Other states have more complicated laws. For instance, in Texas, they follow the 51% rule. If more than half an establishment’s sales are alcohol-related, signs are posted and weapons are not allowed to be brought onto the premises.
Establishments, not only patrons, may be subjected to potential consequences for violations of these laws. These consequences could be something as simple as a small fine or, in some cases, something more severe, like jail time. Always check state laws or county and city ordinances before carrying in any establishment that serves alcohol.
Concealed carrying in restaurants, especially those with bars where drinking is common, is a unique situation. People will act differently once they have consumed large amounts of alcohol. Some establishments are calm, while others are geared more towards a hectic style of nightlife. These energetic nightlife establishments typically cater to folks in their 20s and 30s and the potential for violence is highest in this type of establishment. Be extra cautious when choosing to drink in these kinds of bars because if you end up in a violent encounter in places like these prosecutors might argue that you were acting reckless and even looking for trouble just by being there. As much as possible, avoid these places when carrying.
Learning how to concealed carry in restaurants will make a difference in your ability to keep yourself out of trouble and out of harm’s way. Drinking is fine, but you should always do so responsibly. What are your thoughts on carrying a concealed weapon in a restaurant? Share your them with us in the comments section below.