Posted on 10/20/2012 8:47:06 AM PDT by marktwain
Oct. 19-- Arby's franchisee U.S. Beef Corp. is one of hundreds of businesses in the state trying to figure out what to do when Oklahoma's open carry firearm law takes effect Nov. 1.
Although U.S. Beef Corp. has the right to restrict weapons from entering its properties, the Tulsa-based company inadvertently became the target of a passionate Second Amendment controversy when it started posting "No Weapons" signs outside its Arby's restaurants two years ago.
The situation led to protests, and now U.S. Beef Corp. and other businesses face another decision: Should customers be allowed to carry guns openly in their business?
The question must be answered soon. An amendment to the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act was signed in May by Gov. Mary Fallin, and beginning Nov. 1 people who are licensed to carry concealed weapons will be allowed to carry their guns openly.
In interviews with the Tulsa World, business owners and managers say changes to the law are forcing them to consider how openly displayed firearms would affect safety and comfort of employees and customers.
Some are stepping up efforts to keep guns out of businesses, while others -- including banks and convenience stores -- say open carry presents no greater threat than concealed weapons.
A right to restrict
U.S. Beef Corp. has the legal right to prohibit patrons and employees from carrying weapons inside its establishments, even if gun carriers hold a concealed carry permit.
But word of the company's no-weapons policy spread to gun-rights websites and was interpreted as an attack on the rights of gun owners, said Kim Thompson, vice president of human resources for U.S. Beef Corp.
"We had protests outside some of our stores, and I received literally hundreds of phone calls and emails complaining about our policy," she said. "They were very passionate."
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Bussinesses that prohibited concealed carry in Wisconsin do not have this immunity from lawsuit.
bussinesses should be businesses.
Wisconsin was almost the last state to have concealed carry, but when they did they got this part right.
Perhaps Arby’s should simply post a sign that says,
EVERYONE IN HERE IS UNARMED!
Or “LOOK FOR GUNS IN UNOCCUPIED VEHICLES OUTSIDE THIS STORE”
Open carry should be optional for any state which has a summertime temp average of 80+. If it upsets a few wimps that’s tuff. Let’s go Texas!
Just curious, have there been any reports of businesses requesting their armed customers to carry concealed (where legal)?
I recall a couple of ancecdotes to that effect. It has happened to me a couple of times. I just pull out my shirt to take care of it.
It is not very common.
Businesses prohibiting civil rights on their properties should be held liable for any damages suffered by an unarmed citizen because of the ban.
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