imported post
Here's the new version. Suggestions welcome! Please make sure they're easy to find (in red). I think my call for action (last paragraph) could be worded better - any suggestions there? I will be sending this as soon as I get the name of the manager, and have written a suitable call for action.
November 28, 2009
Paul Jr. and Gallagher’s Eatery,
On Monday, June 22, like every Monday, I visited Gallagher’s Eatery in Kalamazoo to meet with friends. We often stay late and spend thousands of dollars a year at your business. I open carry a firearm for all lawful purposes, and had done so before in your establishment with no issues.
On this night, I was sitting outside at a table with friends when I was approached by Angie, one of your managers, who knew me as a regular customer. Angie told me that it was illegal to have a gun in a bar. I informed her that I was licensed, and while I could not legally conceal a firearm in a bar, I could lawfully open carry a firearm in any of Michigan’s Pistol Free Zones, including a bar (MCL 750.234d and Attorney General Opinion No. 7097 January 11, 2002).
She insisted that she was correct. I informed her once again that that was incorrect. She then said something to the effect of, "Well I just want you to let you know that we know you have it. Is that fair?" I told her, “Yes, that’s very fair.” She then went back inside.
About 10 minutes later she came out again and informed me that she had talked with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, who had (wrongfully) informed her that in fact she was right - that guns weren't allowed in bars. I told her that I had the book of Michigan firearms laws in my car outside and that I would be happy to show her that what I'm doing is legal. I also informed her that many people in law enforcement aren't aware of the laws regarding open carry and that I was positive that I was correct.
She said that that's not what the lieutenant on the phone had told her. I said once again that I'd show her the law but she wasn’t interested. She told me that I was making some of her employees nervous and that I was making her nervous as well, that she didn’t want to argue, and that my choices were to put it in my car or to leave.
I acknowledged that because it was private property she had the authority to ask me to leave, so I paid my bill and left. I have not returned to spend money in your establishment, with few exceptions, as I prefer to spend my money at establishments that do not disallow my right to self-defense.
What confused me about this encounter is that I had openly carried into Gallagher’s numerous times before without issue. I know people who openly carry at the Gallagher’s in Paw Paw, also without issue. I was not causing any trouble and, until I was approached by Angie with her misinformation about firearms laws, there had been no issues whatsoever.
I would like to return to Gallagher’s to spend money there, as I enjoy the food and the time spent there with friends. However, I do not patronize establishments that disallow my right to self-defense.
I would like to know whether Gallagher’s prohibits the lawful carry of a firearm or if Angie was acting of her own accord. This will determine whether or not I will return to spend my money at Gallagher’s.
Respectfully,
[EM87]