I had my CHL class today and it was an education in Texas gun law. One interesting fact is that Texas CHL holders are not allowed to touch alcoholic drinks while carrying. It doesn't matter how much or how little the amount, drinking any amount of alcohol is an offense that means jail time and suspended license.

In Arizona you are not allowed to even eat in an establishment that serves alcohol while CCW. In California it is greatly frowned upon, see our State is pretty lenient afterall.

In Washington, I belieave it is your not allowed to carry in any place that serves achohol where you have to be 21 to get in. I don't think you have to totally abstain from drinking, but it might not be a bad idea.

Same basic story in South Carolina. If alcohol is served on premisis for consumption, than your gun stays out.

Down side is the chance of walking to random mom & pop places that sell beers.

Theres a guy over on the open carry forums who does his open carrying and then will post his days and the reactions he received. I called him out on one of his post saying he would go and "enjoy an import" with dinner. He claimed drinking and carrying was not illegal. I don't know CA law at all, but that just seems like common sense to me. Even if it isnt illegal, it definitely gives more ammo to the anti-2nds.

Fortunately AL makes no such distinction, and GA just changed the "liquor served in establishment" rule.

I really do think AL may have some of the best laws, or lack of, anywhere.

From Michigan State Police:
# An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall not possess a concealed pistol on their person or motor vehicle while they have any bodily alcohol content (.02 bodily alcohol content [BAC] or above) or a controlled substance.*

Another rule we have in Texas is the 51% rule. If a business makes 51% or more from sales of alcoholic beverages, we can carry in that business. However, a 51% sign must be posted. If a sign is not posted, it is not an offense - just bad manners and warrants a verbal reprimand. If a 51% sign is posted, it means jail time.

Alcohol and gunpowder are a terrible mixture--dmd

Clarification. I forgot to say that the 51% rule includes consumption on premises. A business has to be 51% with consumption on premises. Sorry for leaving that part out.

quote:

Originally posted by domcintosh:
Same basic story in South Carolina. If alcohol is served on premisis for consumption, then your gun stays out.

Virginia, too.

In Kentucky "A concealed firearm or other deadly weapon SHALL NOT be carried into any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense beer or alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose."
In other words, bars are not OK, Red Lobster, Outback, etc, it is OK

quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:
From Michigan State Police:
# An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall not possess a concealed pistol on their person or motor vehicle while they have any bodily alcohol content (.02 bodily alcohol content [BAC] or above) or a controlled substance.*

A minor footnote to this is that you can "properly" transport a gun, i.e. locked in the trunk or inaccessible passenger area of a pickup/SUV, without regard to BAC. If you're going to imbibe, lock the sucker up and don't get behind the wheel.

Now, what I don't know is how this law applies if you're in your home or on your own property. If, for example, I'm doing yard work and consume a few "frosties", am I in violation...other than, perhaps, of good common sense? Maybe not but, again, I don't really know.

~Tom

Guns + alcohol = something tragic will happen from alcohol-induced stupidity. Let's use our brains, people!

I took my CHL yesterday and was informed the same. There is a 0% tolerance of alcohol while a gun is on you or in your vehicle. Trunk included.

That's why my wife is getting her CHL (not the only reason). I drink, she drives and "carries" the gun in the vehicle or vice versa.

Drinking and carrying is a bad idea for so many reasons. I, however, think all states should allow you to carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol provided you're not drinking.

I have posted this at least 10 times in the past....with no response. Not that I am expecting legal advice.....

From the Florida State Statutes:

790.151 Using firearm while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances; penalties.--

(1) As used in ss. 790.151-790.157, to "use a firearm" means to discharge a firearm or to have a firearm readily accessible for immediate discharge.

(2) For the purposes of this section, "readily accessible for immediate discharge" means loaded and in a person's hand.

(3) It is unlawful and punishable as provided in subsection (4) for any person who is under the influence of alcoholic beverages, any chemical substance set forth in s. 877.111, or any substance controlled under chapter 893, when affected to the extent that his or her normal faculties are impaired, to use a firearm in this state.

(4) Any person who violates subsection (3) commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(5) This section does not apply to persons exercising lawful self-defense or defense of one's property.



So....is this telling me that it doesn't matter if I have had a drink...as long as the "shoot" is legal?

quote:

Originally posted by LittleGun:
I had my CHL class today and it was an education in Texas gun law. One interesting fact is that Texas CHL holders are not allowed to touch alcoholic drinks while carrying. It doesn't matter how much or how little the amount, drinking any amount of alcohol is an offense that means jail time and suspended license.

When did the law change? It used to be legal to carry unless you were "intoxicated".

quote:

Originally posted by John175:
I took my CHL yesterday and was informed the same. There is a 0% tolerance of alcohol while a gun is on you or in your vehicle. Trunk included.

So, how do you buy beer at Wal-Mart?