No part of it's parking lot is under their direct control except a secured area in the rear of the plaza
Since the plaza parking lot is not under Post Office control, weapons carrying and storage in the parking lot would not be banned by the post office regulation.
The Federal law seems to exempt licensees.... (Don't ask me for a cite, it's been a while.)
There is no exemption for license holders. The wording of the CFR in two places specifically indicates that it DOES apply to CPL holders:
§ 232.1 Conduct on postal property.
(a) Applicability. This section applies to all real property under the charge and control of the Postal Service, to all tenant agencies, and to
all persons entering in or on such property...
(l) Weapons and explosives . Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation,
no person while on postal property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly
or concealed
I also hold that "official purposes" with respect to the parking lot, probably can be held to include a licensee "passing through" or even stopping to mail a letter. I think, too, that it could be read to include actually carrying in the Post Office.... 'Course, I could be wrong....
1. It would seem that you might be confusing "lawful purposes" with "official purpose".
2. Official purpose refers to the act of carrying or storing the firearm, not to the presence of the individual.
Which leads to a bit of silliness.... I'm an eStamps.com user. (I rarely have to visit a real post office.) However, as such, I'm a branch post office. Does that mean I can't carry in my own office, or must I disarm when visiting their web site?
Not unless the real property of your house or driveway is under the control of the post office.
I see no problem with the parking lots at "real" Post Off
Again the specific wording in two places in the CFR would indicate that the parking lot is affected:
§ 232.1 Conduct on postal property.
(a) Applicability. This section applies to
all real property under the charge and control of the Postal Service,
(l) Weapons and explosives . Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation, no person while on postal property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, or
store the same on postal property
Additionally, as evidence that the parking lot is under the control of the postal service, note this requirement in the same CFR:
(k) Vehicular and pedestrian traffic. (1) Drivers of all vehicles in or on property shall be in possession of a current and valid state or territory issued driver's license and vehicle registration, and the vehicle shall display all current and valid tags and licenses required by the jurisdiction in which it is registered.
(2) Drivers who have had their privilege or license to drive suspended or revoked by any state or territory shall not drive any vehicle in or on property during such period of suspension or revocation.
(3) Drivers of all vehicles in or on property shall drive in a careful and safe manner at all times and shall comply with the signals and directions of security force personnel, other authorized individuals, and all posted traffic signs.
(4) The blocking of entrances, driveways, walks, loading platforms, or fire hydrants in or on property is prohibited.
(5) Parking without authority, parking in unauthorized locations or in locations reserved for other persons, or continuously in excess of 18 hours without permission, or contrary to the direction of posted signs is prohibited. This section may be supplemented by the postmaster or installation head from time to time by the issuance and posting of specific traffic directives as may be required. When so issued and posted such directives shall have the same force and effect as if made a part hereof.
The parking lot is theirs to regulate.