TexasCHLforum.com

My company has an anti-weapon policy for work so carry is out of the question during working hours. Every year they rent a large venue [not posted 30.06] for the annual Christmas Party. Even though it isn't on company property, would you carry to the party? There will be an free open bar, so I guess 51% postings don't apply. I was just wondering since there will be eating, drinking, dancing and a lot of "Merry Christmas hugging" going on.

I would not, because the company has made it very clear that weapons are not allowed at any company-sponsored activity, and I value my job, which is literally the pinnacle of a 30-year career.

I don't like it, but that's the way it is.

Also, that venue may be a 51% location if they regularly host such parties. You are not paying for the hooch, but someone is.

- Jim

Personally? I would carry but I don't worry about policies that don't meet 30.06 requirements.

However, if you comply with the unarmed policy when you're at work you should double check whether the policy covers company sponsored events and functions. It would stink to get fired for carrying at the Christmas party.

P.S.: The saying, He who takes the king's shilling does the king's bidding, comes to mind.

One can most likely violate company policy and get away with it, but in my case, I have to sign an affidavit every year saying that I understand and agree to follow company policy. Falsely signing an affidavit is a lie. It may not be a crime that can be prosecuted, but it is still a lie.

If I ever had a chance to talk to management about this policy on an equal footing, I would try to show them the error of their ways. I'm only going to have that chance after I retire.

- Jim

I would carry too but I work for a company that doesn't prohibit concealed carry. That's one of my requirements for employers. Some people need domestic partner benefits or flexible work hours. I need to carry. But I have job skills in high demand so I can afford to be picky.

seamusTX wrote:Also, that venue may be a 51% location if they regularly host such parties. You are not paying for the hooch, but someone is.

I don't know the location of WildBill's party but I have a lot of friends whose company parties are in hotel ballrooms. It would be nice if the TABC website indicated whether licenses are 51% but I don't worry too much about hotels and similar locations unless I see a 51% sign, especially if they have in-house catering.

I brought up the 51% issue as a nitpick, since people seem to worry about it. I have no idea how such premises are licensed. Frequently there are multiple layers of property owners, management companies, and catering companies.

- Jim

IANAL, but the post brings four things to mind:

1. With an open bar, be aware of the prohibitions about carrying while intoxicated.

2. Nothing is illegal or against policy . . . unless you're caught. (OK, that's a naughty thought.)

3. If discovered, and sober, I do not think a successful prosecution would result.

4. In Texas, with "at will" employment, companies can fire you for just about any reason other than race, age, or some other condition protected by law.

HankB wrote:4. In Texas, with "at will" employment, companies can fire you for just about any reason other than race, age, or some other condition protected by law.

This is literally true except for some contracted employees (such as professional athletes).

However, employers have an incentive to retain trained, productive employees. And they have to pay unemployment compensation when they fire someone for no cause.

However squared, if an at-will employee commits a crime or violates weapons or sexual harassment policy, that employee and his donkey will hit the pavement and leave skid marks, and the employer will not have to pay unemployment.

- Jim

WildBill wrote:My company has an anti-weapon policy for work so carry is out of the question during working hours. Every year they rent a large venue [not posted 30.06] for the annual Christmas Party. Even though it isn't on company property, would you carry to the party? There will be an free open bar, so I guess 51% postings don't apply. I was just wondering since there will be eating, drinking, dancing and a lot of "Merry Christmas hugging" going on.

Our bar was cash, and I know the venue is not 30.06, so I carried.

jimlongley wrote:Our bar was cash, and I know the venue is not 30.06, so I carried.

+1 Our party was last night...

However squared, if an at-will employee commits a crime or violates weapons or sexual harassment policy, that employee and his donkey will hit the pavement and leave skid marks, and the employer will not have to pay unemployment.

- Jim

Can you say fired! Remember that HR can give reasons for termination to potential employers.

Fortunately, more and more employers now will not give any personal information about former employees.

However, this is a lousy economy and a bad time of year to be looking for work other than temporary grunt jobs.

- Jim

seamusTX wrote:However, this is a lousy economy and a bad time of year to be looking for work other than temporary grunt jobs.

- Jim

Can't argue with that!

In a word, "NO". Alcohol (as much as I enjoy a snort or three) and my CHL don't mix.

Oldgringo wrote:In a word, "NO". Alcohol (as much as I enjoy a snort or three) and my CHL don't mix.

+1