Got this today.
Mr. Xxxxx,
Thanks you emailing me about your concerns. Rest assured that Bass Pro Shops supports your Second Amendment rights. We have always allowed individuals to carry concealed weapons on our premises. Recently, our policy on brining firearms into the building was called into question. After careful research, we found that we had been misinformed on the legality of open carry in Alabama.
When the store opened in 2007, whomever the store consulted on firearms laws for Alabama misinformed the store that open carry was not legal, and that one had to have a permit to carry on land not his own. After it came to our attention that this may not be true, a letter was dispatched to the chief law enforcement officer of Elmore County. After more than a month, a response was received confirming that open carry is permissible in the state of Alabama.
The store’s procedure is now as follows:
Holstered handguns, open carry weapons or concealed, may be carried by customers into our store. However, if the weapon is going to be drawn from the holster, the weapon will need to be cleared and locked, by a trained associate, in the clearing box at the greeter’s station in our front entrance. Handguns, which are hand-carried into the store (not holstered), will need to be cleared and locked. There is no change to our procedures with long guns, as all long guns will be cleared and locked.
I do hope that our alteration of store procedures adequately addresses your concerns. If you have further questions please feel free to give me a call here at the store. Thanks.
Xxxx X. Xxxxxx
General Manager
Prattville, Alabama
