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Let's say someone with a CHL were to visit the downtown Austin area and want to stroll around on foot. With the UT Campus, Capitol, Governor's Mansion and all the the other gov't buildings in close proximity, what exactly are the legal zones? Obviously, gov't bldgs are off limits, but what about the streets, sidewalks, etc.

Actually, government buildings are not allowed to post 30.06, so they are ok to carry (except courts). The UT campus would be fine as long as you don't enter the "premises" of a building, and as long as there's no sporting or interscholastic event taking place.

Do I have this right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

It's been a year or two since I've been in downtown Moscow on The Colorado or on UT campus.

"what about the streets, sidewalks," Good to go with CHL. Just stay out of college buildings.

Quite a few drinking establishments, especially around 6'th street. Outside OK. Inside 51%ers a big no-go.

Greybeard wrote:It's been a year or two since I've been in downtown Moscow on The Colorado or on UT campus.

Hey now.

smyrna wrote:Let's say someone with a CHL were to visit the downtown Austin area and want to stroll around on foot. With the UT Campus, Capitol, Governor's Mansion and all the the other gov't buildings in close proximity, what exactly are the legal zones? Obviously, gov't bldgs are off limits, but what about the streets, sidewalks, etc.

There's nothing special about the city that makes it any more off limits than anywhere else. City, County, and State government buildings are only off limits if they contain a courthouse or prison. I need to check on this, but there was talk about the legislature banning guns in the Senate and House chambers, so that portion of the Capitol may be off limits. They're not in session now anyway, so it probably doesn't matter. Just as always, Federal buildings are off limits. Walking around the UT campus is fine, as long as you don't enter a building.

As was stated, 6th street between Congress and I-35 is largely bars, nearly all of which are certainly 51%. There are plenty of restaurants downtown, and most of them don't operate as a bar, so there's plenty of places to eat.

NcongruNt wrote: Walking around the UT campus is fine, as long as you don't enter a building.

How about the LBJ Library?

I recommend a Restaurant called the "Glass/Iron Cactus" or something like that, it's on 6th Street..

Liberty wrote:

NcongruNt wrote: Walking around the UT campus is fine, as long as you don't enter a building.

How about the LBJ Library?

I would think that the LBJ Library is off limits since it is on campus. Plus I think that they have classrooms in the building.

Flatland2D wrote:Actually, government buildings are not allowed to post 30.06, so they are ok to carry (except courts). The UT campus would be fine as long as you don't enter the "premises" of a building, and as long as there's no sporting or interscholastic event taking place.

Do I have this right? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

There is NO law or regulation against posting 30.06 signs. They just cannot be enforced - unless there is a 'government meeting'.

You cannot be prosecuted for carrying a gun in any building owned or leased by a government entity. Law Sect 30.06 (e)

NOTE:" THis is an exception to prosecution, not to arrest.

para driver wrote:I recommend a Restaurant called the "Glass/Iron Cactus" or something like that, it's on 6th Street..

The Iron Cactus is nice.
$2 Margaritas on Wednesdays :)

Wow! So the Capitol itself is not off limits...now that's why I like TEXAS!

As far as 6th street...I have not been impressed. The Pecan Street Cafe has a good ribeye, but usually not worth wading through the drunks and wayward college kids to get to it. In fact, last time I was there, I came extemely close to serving a knuckle sandwich to a drunken guy who couldn't get through his head that I didn't want to be followed or his hands on me. Worst part about it was it was in the middle of the week at 5:00pm. I'd hate to see the place late at night on the weekends.

There's a place called Hut's a little further down on 6th street away from the clubs. Best burgers in Austin if you ask me.

During my time at UT, some friends and I would often go down to 6th street at night to do some people watching. I personally don't drink, but I always got a kick out of how stupid everyone else was behaving. It can be a circus. You need good stress relief like that sometimes. Made me feel better about getting a "real" degree.

If you're in the mood for a steak, I can recommend the Hoffbrau at 6th and Rio Grande. It's across the street from another fine restaurant called Katz's. The Hoffbrau has no real menu to speak of. You can get a T-bone or a Sirloin. They also have a salad. Also, potato wedges and onion rings. Oh, and beer and tea/soda. It's not fancy, just an old shack of a restaurant with a whole lot of history. Most of the people who work there have been doing so for decades. The place has been around for over 70 years, same location.

They actually do have a website, so you can check it out. There's a "menu" there, though I'm not sure if all the stuff on there is always available. There will be no menu when you go. It's mighty tasty stuff.

http://www.originalhoffbrausteaks.com/

Austin is no different than anywhere else in Texas when it comes to where you can and cannot carry. Same state, same laws.

smyrna wrote:...what exactly are the legal zones?

Most have covered this already, but to reiterate: Instead of asking what the legal zones are, you should instead ask yourself, "what areas are off-limits?" If you can answer that (and we all should be able to since we've been through the CHL course ) then you can walk around any city in Texas, including Austin, with confidence.