The weekend is almost here, so what time could be better than now to clarify how Arizona's gun laws really work when it comes to carrying and going out to a bar? Since the state's gun laws have recently changed, too many Arizonans are getting into legal trouble simply because they do not understand the changes and how they affect their rights as gun carriers or bar owners.

Last month, we included a post that shared how Arizona gun laws changed in July. The major change was that now Arizonans can carry a concealed firearm without needing a conceal and carry permit. You might remember, however, that the law also states that if you do not have a conceal and carry permit and you are carrying a concealed gun, then you are not legally allowed to attend an establishment with a liquor license.

Even if you do have a conceal and carry permit, that does not mean that every alcohol-serving establishment must let you in its doors. As businesses, bars and restaurants have the right to decide what they believe is most beneficial for their bottom lines when it comes to allowing concealed firearms in their establishments.

Some business owners believe that their customers feel safer frequenting their bars or restaurants if concealed guns are not allowed on the premises; therefore, they choose to ban concealed-gun carriers even if they have permits. But according to an Arizona source, businesses are struggling to follow the rules in regards to state gun laws.

"No firearms" signs are legally necessary in order to validly prohibit permit-carrying customers from entering a bar with a concealed gun. To be legally valid, a sign must be posted on the correct type of paper, and it must be posted next to the establishment's liquor license. If a business fails to comply with the signage rules, then a carrying customer who has a permit is acting within the law by being there.

Obviously, a bar or restaurant owner could try to get the customer out of their place by contacting police, but it would be easier (and probably better for business) to know the rules and get the sign right in the first place.   

Resource

azdailysun.com: Guns + Bars = Confusion (9/13/2010)