TexasCHLforum.com

I am referring to the Punch Bowl Social (PBS) in Austin, Texas located at The Domain (http://punchbowlsocial.com/austin/).

First, has anyone been visited this establishment before? Second, I looked up the TABC record and it's listed as BLUE SIGN and the entrances are posted with a "The unlicensed possession..." However, if you have ever been here you would notice that 1/4 of the place is a restaurant/cafe and the other 3/4 is a *game* area consisting of 8 lane bowling alley, pool tables, darts, some arcade machines, and air hockey. But inside that game area it's all focused around this huge circular bar; which on their website they state they are family friendly until 10pm.

I have been there twice now, both times after 10pm, and it to be a place where mass amounts of alcohol is being consumed and has that bar feeling, with other means of entertainment. Generally, there are police posted around these late-night establishments at The Domain and usually hanging out around the entrance of the PBS. Both times I went because friends wanted to go, and since I was drinking the first time, I wasn't carrying. The second time I went, I wasn't drinking but felt uneasy about whether to carry or leave it locked in the car. Even though it's not a 51% establishment, how would you feel about it?

Wouldn't bother me a bit unless I was planning to drink more than a drink. If I was planning to drink more, I wouldn't carry. As long as TABC license shows blue, I'm comfortable carrying and not in to trying to second guess them.

I feel comfortable carrying everywhere.

I am comfortable carrying everywhere I am legally able to. I would be comfortable carrying in places that I'm currently not legally allowed to if the law were to be changed make concealed carry in such places legal.

TexasCajun wrote:I am comfortable carrying everywhere I am legally able to. I would be comfortable carrying in places that I'm currently not legally allowed to if the law were to be changed make concealed carry in such places legal.

I carry OWB and really don't spend a lot of time worrying about where or unintended exposure. I don't feel guilty about my CC and really try to not look like I'm doing something wrong: IOW, that older guy over there looks like he knows what he's doing.

Oldgringo wrote:

TexasCajun wrote:I am comfortable carrying everywhere I am legally able to. I would be comfortable carrying in places that I'm currently not legally allowed to if the law were to be changed make concealed carry in such places legal.

I carry OWB and really don't spend a lot of time worrying about where or unintended exposure. I don't feel guilty about my CC and really try to not look like I'm doing something wrong: IOW, that older guy over there looks like he knows what he's doing.

Why would I feel any differently about being in a "non-bar" if it's under 51% than a book store?

I think everyone is a little uncomfortable everywhere when they first start CC. After you've carried awhile you get used to the fact that no one notices and it ceases to be a concern. Just don't let familiarity breed contempt.

VMI77 wrote:I think everyone is a little uncomfortable everywhere when they first start CC. After you've carried awhile you get used to the fact that no one notices and it ceases to be a concern. Just don't let familiarity breed contempt.

Casp, there will be lots of places you will go to very similar to the punchbowl. If it's posted like you described, then it doesn't matter if the bar has standing room only, and the eating area is totally empty, you can still carry away with confidence. Concealed means concealed. No one will notice.

Oldgringo wrote:

TexasCajun wrote:I am comfortable carrying everywhere I am legally able to. I would be comfortable carrying in places that I'm currently not legally allowed to if the law were to be changed make concealed carry in such places legal.

I carry OWB and really don't spend a lot of time worrying about where or unintended exposure. I don't feel guilty about my CC and really try to not look like I'm doing something wrong: IOW, that older guy over there looks like he knows what he's doing.

I'm still working on this demeanor. Maybe when I'm even older
But I agree with the attitude.

Why wouldn't I carry into any place where I can legally carry? I follow the laws, don't drink while I carry, and want be able to protect my family should the need arise. That is why we did what was necessary to get the license, right?

jimlongley wrote:I feel comfortable carrying everywhere.

Do you feel comfortable carrying in a *non* bar?

Do you have a good belt and holster?

The Annoyed Man wrote:

Do you feel comfortable carrying in a *non* bar?

Do you have a good belt and holster?

Wise Guy!

VMI77 wrote:I think everyone is a little uncomfortable everywhere when they first start CC. After you've carried awhile you get used to the fact that no one notices and it ceases to be a concern. Just don't let familiarity breed contempt.

Once I found the position for carry that felt *just right,* I sometimes forget that I am carrying. Because of this, sometimes I also forget to ensure the buildings I am walking into are not posted! But usually I catch it shortly after walking in and will turn right around to check.

The Annoyed Man wrote: Do you have a good belt and holster?

Right now I am using a FirearmHolster for my S&W Shield which attaches to a Hanks Amish Belt. I really like the hybrid IWB/OWB holster concept and it's quite comfortable as well. I have no issues with the belt as it easily handles the weight and keeps everything in place nicely. There is also a backup magazine holster I generally attach to the belt as well. I don't ever worry if that is concealed as you can't tell what is inside anyways.

joe817 wrote: Casp, there will be lots of places you will go to very similar to the punchbowl. If it's posted like you described, then it doesn't matter if the bar has standing room only, and the eating area is totally empty, you can still carry away with confidence. Concealed means concealed. No one will notice.

Once I got the CHL, I started carrying everywhere I was legally allowed to and never had one issue. There was one time I was out with the girlfriend and she noticed another couple that made a few extra glances in my direction. Apparently, my shirt got caught up and my handle was visible, to which I nonchalantly covered it back up. Needless to say, that couple didn't start running in fear of their lives, there was no bloodshed in the streets, and guns didn't haphazardly start shooting people.