Charles L. Cotton wrote:Apparently, they are trying to protect their liquor license. No rational person could fault them for doing so. The fact that Grisham and OCT are making an issue of this could well result in Walmart posting 30.07 signs.
The political reality is this. Open-carry has passed and it is no longer unlawful, except under limited circumstances. TPC §30.07(e) provides the same protection afforded to concealed-carry. In 2017, the "Fines for Signs" law will likely be amended to include 30.07 notices and signs. In short, the state and local governments are removed from the open-carry issue.
Not satisfied, the more ardent open-carry supporters now want to force private individuals and companies to accept open-carry. These same people often claim to be the strongest supporters of private property rights, yet when it comes to open-carry, they are quick to abandon that position. As a result of OCT and other "all or nothing folks," many businesses are posting 30.07 signs. Some are also posting 30.06 signs meaning open-carry has cost almost 1 million LTCs the ability to carry self-defense handguns where they have been able to do so for two decades. The more harassment businesses receive, the more 30.07 signs will be posted and, unfortunately, more 30.06 signs also. Now who is the true enemy of the Second Amendment, the company that prohibits open-carry but allows concealed-carry, or the open-carry supporters who's conduct ultimately results in more business banning all handguns?
Chas.
Please NRA,TX step up outreach by contacting some of these folks and drown out the NUTS who are the only folks being quoted here.
"I find it offensive,” said C.J. Grisham, president of gun-rights group Open Carry Texas, who has heard from members who shop at Wal-Mart that they have been asked for permits. “I don’t want to be treated suspect by a place that I’m shopping at.”
He does not speak for me, and 99% of other CHL Holders, heck, hasn't it been established he does not even have a TX LTC? How could he possible speak for TX CHL/LTC holders?
As an Aside, if Walmart has concerns, all they need to do is a simple Attorney General Opinion request to satisfy their concerns. I am betting they will be told to call LEO if they have a concern and not to ask for licenses. This process puts everyone at a disadvantage. In the mean time, if you choose to OC in WM, then simply comply what's the big deal, don't make it worse by antagonizing employees.
Thank you Walmart for at least trying to do the right thing.