Debate concerning Virginia open/concealed carry...

[ElPrez231]

Hey all, looking for some clarification here for any law enforcement officers or those familiar with Virginia state law. My friends and I all have concealed carry permits in the state of Virginia and were debating an open carry law since Virginia is technically an open carry state. One of my friends is saying that carry is both illegal concealed AND open in establishments that serve alcohol (i.e. restaurants, etc) if you are not consuming the alcohol. My other friend and I are insisting that yes, concealed carry is illegal, however it is legal to open carry in establishments that serve alcohol when completely sober and NOT consuming alcohol. Someone please shed some light on this debate; any input is appreciated. Keep in mind, this is in Virginia, one of the most gun liberal states in the country. Thanks in advance!

 

[NavyLCDR]

Virginia Statute 18.2-308

J3. No person shall carry a concealed handgun onto the premises of any restaurant or club as defined in § 4.1-100 for which a license to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption has been granted by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board under Title 4.1 of the Code of Virginia; however, nothing herein shall prohibit any sworn law-enforcement officer from carrying a concealed handgun on the premises of such restaurant or club or any owner or event sponsor or his employees from carrying a concealed handgun while on duty at such restaurant or club if such person has a concealed handgun permit.

Notice the word concealed. Open carry is permitted.

 

[winston smith]

Just how are we to know which restaurants serve alcohol? I guess fast-food restaurants don't. But is TFIF or Ruby Tuesday alcohol-free? What about the independent seafood restaurants? Tourists with Virginia-valid out-of-state CCW permits want to know. Is it on the Virginia Tourism website?

 

[NavyLCDR]

When you are in Virginia, do the Virginia tuck before entering the restaurant - take whatever cover garment you have concealing your gun and tuck it behind your gun so that you are open carrying. Enter the restaurant, see if the serve alcohol. If they don't then you can conceal again.