imported post
Indeep-Cop wrote:
IF you have a CCW, it is clearly stated that concealed and/Or open carried weapons are PROHIBITED in any business that derives 49% of their sales from alcohol in Missouri.
If you can point to the part of the law forbidding open carry in such establishments I would appreciate being corrected. I've not been able to find it. The Missouri law regarding use/misuse of weapons can be found at <
http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/chapters/chap571.htm>. As far as I can tell only concealed weapons are forbidden in bars.
RSMo. 571.107 does state ".... No driver's license or nondriver's license containing a concealed carry endorsement issued pursuant to sections 571.101 to 571.121 or a concealed carry endorsement or permit issued by another state or political subdivision of another state shall authorize any person to carry
concealed firearms into: ... (7) Any establishment licensed to dispense intoxicating liquor or nonintoxicating beer for consumption on the premises, which portion is primarily devoted to that purpose, without the consent of the owner or manager. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to the licensee of said establishment. The provisions of this subdivision
shall not apply to any bona fide restaurant open to the general public having dining facilities for not less than fifty persons and
that receives at least fifty-one percent of its gross annual income from the dining facilities by the sale of food. ..."
I read that to mean that those businesses which derive over 49% of their income from alcohol are considered bars in which concealed carry is forbidden. If you can find the provision regarding open carry I'd be happy to know.
That said, I agree with those those who have posted opposing any armed carry anywhere alcohol is being consumed and, as a concealed carry instructor, I so instruct my students. Even if one does not intend to consume alcohol oneself it is unwise to introduce a firearm into an environment where others are consuming it., This is especially true if open carry is the only option because of the possibility of some belligerent drunk attempting to disarm you.
Another instructor has pointed out and I agree that even if one is not drinking, should a ruckus occur in such an establishment one is likely to have beverages spilled upon one and end up smelling like a distillery. With possession of a firearm a felony while under the influence, that's an invitation to be arrested just on suspicion. Law or no law, alcohol and guns don't mix and make for a bad combination.