Did I handle this right?

[Sage of Seattle]

So, Am I a hypocrite or just protecting my business? Be honest and let er' rip.

Sorry for being late, but after thinking this over, I'd like to chime in and agree with another poster who said "both."

Protecting your business is a good thing. However, by saying that the legal firearms are not to be carried, IMO, is being hypocritical.

Allow me to explain by saying that I've got two thoughts that have sprung to mind. One, the term 'brandishing' usually means "...in a manner calculated to cause alarm..." which didn't happen by your description, so no laws were broken in that instance. Second, they are both legally permitted to carry concealed pistols, as are you. So, the same legitimate justifications that most everyone on THR states about themselves should apply to these two employees as well, such as the fact that they aren't felons, have not been adjudicated mentally ill, and have gone through a training class (though perhaps a minimal class).

If they are otherwise clean cut, responsible, hard working employees, then I don't see the issue. Tell them "concealed means concealed" and remind the non-gunny that whatever he saw was legal even if he was uncomfortable with it. He is free to find employment elsewhere.

Part of me says that this situation is reminicient of other of our freedoms that have been curtailed at work all in the name of employer liability. Freedom of Speech, anyone? Nope, sorry. You are no longer able to say whatever you want not because you might be offensive, but because the offended might sue your EMPLOYER. And before anyone corrects me that the 1st amendment applies only to the government and not private employers, please don't. In reality, we no longer have an unlimited right to contract, so I think it proper that businesses be prevented from restricting a person's rights just for the mere exchange of value (labor for money). And, as an additional aside, I think that businesses, being artificial constructs, cannot have the same rights as a living human being. All topics for other threads.

Anyway, since it seems to be a truism that "anyone can be sued for anything in America" then I personally would take all reasonable precautions with everyone and move on with my life and business. Make sure your employee policy says "no illegal weapons" and the usual disclaimer that the business does not tolerate illegal behavior and will not be held responsible for any illegal act of an employee.

*shrugs* I'm not sure what else I'd do, personally. Whatever you decide, kowenjr, I'm certain it'll be the right thing for you.

 

[SG Merc]

They were on your time and their actions reflect you.

Considering that there are many employers who would have fired them outright, I think you handled the situation just fine.

 

[MT GUNNY]

Compromise; If they have a ccp let them carry at work Tell them to keep it to their selves (hence concealed).

 

[Mazeman]

There is now a growing legal sentiment that people who bar possesion of firearms on their property (a mall, a business owner like yourself) should be liable if harm comes to someone who was unable to protect themself because of said policy.

So the liability could go both ways.

My preference would be a don't show/don't tell policy.

 

[dralarms]

I own my own company and all of my employee's have their carry permit, and most carry while on the job. I don't have a problem with it since if CHTF then there will be someone to back me up. In my time carrying I have only been asked twice to not have it in a building, 1 was a customer that was building a house and I guess I scared the illegals because he was afraid I was going to run off the construction guy's help. The other was after working 3 days in a county sheriff's office, one of the deputies came up to me and said that the sheriff has requested I not carry my firearm in the area I was working since they have trustee's running around. Had no problem there either but you should have seen the look on his face when I handed mine to my employee and told him to go lock our guns up in the trailer gun safe.

Now the "boys" didn't handle the situation correctly in your situation, heck they ain't for "show and tell" especially on a customers property. Since they "leave" them in the truck and you do have employees that do not have a permit then yes you did the right thing, what if one of the non carry employees got in the truck and headed to town and got stopped? They would be in deep doodoo for having a gun "on them" (if it's in the truck and they are driving it it's theirs and everything in it is their responsibility).

If they want to carry then get quick access gun safes for them to be stored in, the "carry" employees get access, the non carry employees don't and it might save a criminal charge from being thrust on someone for nothing.

 

[Mannlicher]

you are the boss, and can put into place any rules that do not contravene the various labor laws.
I would not work for you though.

 

[bhp9mm]

tell them don't take the gun out are their fired but don't stop everybody from having guns that have ccw if u stop everybody if it was me i wood just quit tell everybody not to show their guns off but let them have them if u find out they did this after u told them fireing them but don't stop everybody just my two cents do whatever u want ur the owner but if someting happens u have help.