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Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:37 pm
by stvbrx
About 2 weeks ago, I was entering a Fiesta grocery store in Houston when I noticed a sign stating it was a crime to conceal a handgun in a location that sells alcohol or where alcohol is consumed and carries a fine up to $10k.
I wasn't aware of this law, but returned to my car and disarmed...just to be safe.

I saw the same sign last night while going into an Olive Garden.
There was no 51% sign posted.

I am under the impression these posting are from outdated signs.
Can anyone verify my belief that these are not valid?

thanks,
StvBrx

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:39 pm
by longtooth
It must have a valid 30-06 sign posted.

If not you are good to go.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:43 pm
by shortysboy09
Did those signs have any texts that said "unlicensed possesion of a firearm" ?

If that's the case then your CHL makes you in " licensed possesion of a firearm " therefore that sign means nothing to you.

Also, it's perfectly legal to carry in a store that sells alcohol for off-site consumption. You could legal carry into a liquor store if you wanted.

But if alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises then you would need to disarm. That is assuming they collect 51% of their sales from alcohol.

Btw, Welcome to the Texas CHL forum! There's an endless amount of information here to answer most question you may have. If you can't find the answer don't hesitate to ask. We will be happy to help.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:45 pm
by psehorne
If an establishment obtains 51% or more of their income from the sale of alcohol for on site consumption they may have a 51% license; they may not. You would need to view the license certificate which should be posted in a conspicuous place. If it says Sign = RED then it is a 51% establishment according to the TABC. If it says Sign = BLUE then it is not. If they are not a 51% establishment, they could still post a legitimate 30.06 sign.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:49 pm
by stvbrx
@shortys....I don't recall seeing "unlicensed" listed.
I guess I'll have to go buy some more beer tonight to verify.

thanks for the quick replies!

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:57 pm
by joe817
We have that "unlicensed possession of a firearm is prohibited" on most grocery stores and convenience stores here in Arlington. As I'm licensed I read it to mean "CHL holders welcome". ;-) :lol: {but that's MY interpretation}

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:57 pm
by shortysboy09
stvbrx wrote:@shortys....I don't recall seeing "unlicensed" listed.
I guess I'll have to go buy some more beer tonight to verify.

thanks for the quick replies!
If possible try and snap a picture of it for us.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:58 pm
by shortysboy09
joe817 wrote:We have that "unlicensed possession of a firearm is prohibited" on most grocery stores and convenience stores here in Arlington. As I'm licensed I read it to mean "CHL holders welcome". ;-) :lol: {but that's MY interpretation}
I would say that's a very safe assumption. :coolgleamA:

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:13 pm
by Keith B
What you more than likely saw was this sign:

Image

This sign is required at any location that sells alcohol for on or off-premise consumption and makes less that 51% of its revenue from the alcohol sales. It is OK to carry past as long as they don't have a 30.06 sign posted also. :thumbs2:

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:07 pm
by stvbrx
Keith,

I believe that's the sign!
thanks for the info to all!
:clapping:

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:12 pm
by shortysboy09
Glad we could help out. I think you did the right thing by dis-arming when you weren't sure if you were allowed to carry or not. Next time you will know your'e in the clear. That "unlicensed" part is what clears you of any problems.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:13 pm
by Purplehood
HEB and Olive Garden are valid for carry (unless they get crazy and post a 30.06 sign).

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:31 pm
by RPB
Purplehood wrote:HEB and Olive Garden are valid for carry (unless they get crazy and post a 30.06 sign).
Like the Olive Garden in Lubbock may have

http://www.texas3006.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 6:51 pm
by wgoforth
Like the op, here around Brownwood, there are numerous places that have some weird "No unlicensed or LICENSED firearms on the premises. Carrying constitutes a felony with 10 years and/or $10,000 fine." These are not 51% establishments. I just smile and keep going. It does make me wonder who or what it was that distributed all of these at some point though.

Re: Carry in a grocery store that sells alcohol???

Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:36 pm
by Keith B
wgoforth wrote:Like the op, here around Brownwood, there are numerous places that have some weird "No unlicensed or LICENSED firearms on the premises. Carrying constitutes a felony with 10 years and/or $10,000 fine." These are not 51% establishments. I just smile and keep going. It does make me wonder who or what it was that distributed all of these at some point though.
If the location sells alcohol AT ALL, then by law they must post one of two signs; either the sign above if they make under 51% of their revenue from alcohol sales, or a 51% sign if more that 51% of their revenue from alcohol.

You will see WAY more of the unlicensed signs since the majority of the locations sell other things to gain the majority of their revenue from, but they still have to post a sign per the TABC laws.