CT law
As you can see from the CT.gov website under carrying in public, you can possibly risk losing your pistol permit. With rights come responsibilities. Also, under 53-206d, Carrying while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug prohibited. In this case you were in a bar, I don't know if the person in this case was drinking or not but it seems this detail by the police was over looked. CT law also states that leaving the bar and not the premise the bar is located is still considered trespassing under state statute. While I am a gun advocate, I believe common sense and responsibility is paramount. Furthermore, thinking tactically, why would you want to carry openly? Who do you think the bad guy is going to shoot first if he sees your gun? Finally, it seems that the police in this situation could have done a better job in this investigation and charges.
RESTRICTIONS ON CARRYING AND TRANSPORTING FIREARMS
In Public Buildings
The law, with minor exceptions, bars people from carrying firearms in any building (1) where either House of the General Assembly is located; (2) in which the office of any legislator or legislative officer, employee, or committee is located; or (3) where a legislative committee is holding a meeting. The law exempts police officers, military personnel on official duty, and veterans serving as honor guards (CGS § 2-1e(c)).
Interference with the legislative process is a class D felony.
In Public
The permit to carry handguns allows people to carry them openly or concealed, but mature judgment, says the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners, dictates that (1) “every effort should be made to ensure that no gun is exposed to view or carried in any manner that would tend to alarm people who see it. . . [and] (2) no handgun should be carried unless carrying the gun at the time and place involved is prudent and proper in the circumstances. ”
For example, according to the board, handguns should not be carried:
1. into a bar or other place where alcohol is being consumed;
2. in any situation involving stress such as an argument;
3. after consuming alcohol or any drugs other than those legally prescribed; or
4. in any building, residential or commercial, whose owner prohibits handguns (http: //www. ct. gov/bfpe/cwp/view. asp?a=1252&q=254186).
Motor Vehicles
By law, when handguns are being transported in a motor vehicle, they must be unloaded and kept (1) in a place not readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment or (2) in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console (CGS § 29-35). A violation carries a penalty of one to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $ 1,000, or both, with a mandatory minimum one-year sentence in the absence of mitigating circumstances (CGS § 29-37).
When long guns are being transported in a vehicle or snowmobile, they must be unloaded. A violation carries a fine of $ 10 to $ 100, imprisonment for up to 30 days or both (CGS § 53-205).
On School Property and School-Sponsored Events
It is illegal, with some exceptions, to possess firearms on any elementary or secondary school property or at any school-sponsored event, if the person knows that he or she is not licensed or privileged to possess such firearms. A violation is a class D felony. The law does not apply to the otherwise lawful possession by:
1. anyone using a firearm as part of an approved school program;
2. anyone who has an agreement with the school allowing the firearm;
3. peace officers functioning in their official capacity; and
4. anyone with an unloaded firearm crossing school property to hunt, provided entry is allowed (CGS § 53a-217b).
Other Places where Firearms are Prohibited
People are barred from possessing or carrying handguns on any premises where prohibited by law or by the person who owns or exercises control over the premises (CGS § 29-28(e)).
A violation carries a fine of up to $ 500, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, and any handgun found in the violator's possession must be forfeited (CGS § 29-37).
