I’m heading to Mobile, Alabama at the end of the month for a wedding and tourism and need to get a grip on their carry laws using a TN permit. I tried calling their Sheriff’s Dept, police dept, the state’s Hwy Patrol and handgun carry license issuing department and no one can (will) help except to give me another number to call. Internet searches are outdated, questionable or vague. Surely it’s not that complicated...

Is anyone here able to shed a little light on basics of Alabama carry laws, and any unique laws regarding Mobile?

Basically:

- Concealed Carry or open carry? I carry concealed, but what happens if I print or otherwise expose my pistol?

- Carry in City and State parks?

- Can I carry in a restaurants or bars that serve alcohol (I won’t be drinking)

- Church carry?

-Prohibited places?

- Anything else I should know?

Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by henryarnaud:
http://www.handgunlaw.us/states/alabama.pdf

Looks pretty current. Signs that say no firearms posted in places other that those spelled out have no force of law but if challenged by personnel at that establishment you must leave immediately or be guilty of trespassing Note the part about carrying where mentally ill may be treated pretty much covers all health establishments, doctor's offices and some even include dental offices so if you have a medical problem be sure and leave your gun behind. Printing is not an issue here unless you happen to be in a prohibited area. Follow good CCW practices and you will have no problems.

Thanks for the link, but that's all legalese from Alabama's AG's website. I'm hoping for a simple man version of the rules.

Thanks, Low8.

So, from what I gather, unless the premises is posted, I can carry in restaurants, bars, grocery stores, shops, etc, without worrying about printing, or an occasional “nipple slip” exposing my weapon. Churches aren’t mentioned that I can tell, so can be included as ok places to carry unless posted.

State parks etc. are ok to carry. Any idea about carrying in city (Mobile’s) parks? (In TN, cities can make their own park carry rules)

If I get pulled over, it’s not required to present my permit, but it’s considered good practice to do so.

Is there anything I should know that I haven’t asked?

Pretty much follow common sense and your Tenn laws. As a rule the State laws preempt all City and County laws but there is room for interpretation in some of them. If you stay concealed you should have no problem. Try to dress where you won't print or accidentally flash you weapon. Churches are pretty much governed by their own authority about carry. If you are going you might ask ahead about their policies. Just remember, if you go into a place that is posted and get caught then leave immediately otherwise you are guilty of trespassing. Legalize or not read what was posted in the link that was given you as it can save your butt. My interpretations and experience with them are no defense for you if I miss something. As to notifying law enforcement that is a spot decision only you can make at the time. As a general rule I have never had a problem either way but usually unless required I never declare. Alabama like Tennessee is a pretty gun friendly state.

quote:

Any idea about carrying in city (Mobile’s) parks?

The state AG ruled that no municipal or state owned properties may supersede the state laws on carry. Parks are O.K. The AG even made the state rest areas take down their "NO WEAPONS" signs.

Conceal it and you will have no problems.

RMD