GA and the Aquarium

[hso]

I've looked and would like some input from GA/Atlanta residents as to whether carry in the Aquarium is legal even though the Aquarium posts that it is prohibited.

Also, does anyone have recent (within the past 3 months) experience going to the Aquarium and know whether they do anything more than bag checks?

We're planning a visit and I would like to stay within the letter of the law on this.

Thanks.

 

[dcdub]

I'm not sure about the legalities, but the last time I was there it was so busy and there were so many rude kids and parents there that one with less self control than your average lawful gun toter might be tempted to use a firearm.

Just kidding about that but seriously, my point is that it is a ZOO in there, and people WILL bump into you and possibly your gun even

 

[janedoedad]

The aquarium is private property. Firearms, along with a long list of other items, are prohibited by the owners. Sometimes there are metal detectors in use and the guards do have wands.

Your call.

 

[Balrog]

The Georgia Aquarium is a horrible experience. The last time I was there was about one year ago. Metal detectors and wands are in place. The security is similar to airport security. Once inside of th aquarium you will find it filled with people. Very crowded. Lots of loud people. Many future gang members will be present.

Generally, Atlanta is a place to avoid, as it is the current armpit of the south. Sherman burned Atlanta 150 years early. The aquarium represents the very worst of atlanta.

 

[Sam1911]

but the last time I was there it was so busy and there were so many rude kids and parents there that I might have been tempted to use a firearm had I had one on me.

What a terrifying statement!

Are you serious that you believe you'd be tempted to kill someone, threaten them, or for some reason draw your weapon because they were discourteous in a crowded place? Do you really feel that this is a legitimate cause for 'consideration' in your choice to carry a defensive sidearm ... or in hso's choice to do so?

If so, you are only the second person I've ever met who admitted that their temper was so out of control that they feared that they'd risk killing someone out of rage if they carried a gun in certain non-violent circumstances.

(The other was someone for whom 'road rage' was a cherished part of his lifestyle and he wouldn't carry in his car because that's where he "blew off steam" by giving vent to blind anger. It didn't make me feel more comfortable to be around him at other times, to tell the truth.)

 

[dovedescending]

Don't carry at the Aquarium. Technically it's not a crime unless you refuse to leave, but don't do it. Atlanta PD will give you hell.

 

[Balrog]

What a terrifying statement!

I would assume he was using hyperbole to make his point. No need to get your panties wadded over it.

 

[Sam1911]

I would assume he was using hyperbole to make his point.

What point would that be? It is either an alarming admission or a vaguely insulting assumption about someone who chooses to go armed. And very likely both.

But my panties are smooth and comfortable, thanks.

 

[OneBagNomad]

Generally, Atlanta is a place to avoid, as it is the current armpit of the south. Sherman burned Atlanta 150 years early. The aquarium represents the very worst of atlanta.

+1 on Atlanta. If you're dead set on traveling to the Atlanta area for whatever reason, I suggest you steer clear of the city itself. Underground Atlanta, above-ground Atlanta, Marta, and pretty much any other place in the city you're likely to go are magnets for local thugs looking to start something. If the ganstas don't make a go for your wallet, the bums will.

If you're going down there anyway, my suggestion is to not go anywhere you'd be compelled to disarm yourself.

 

[Balrog]

What point would that be?

His point was that there are a lot of loud rude people there.
And he is in fact correct about that.

As others have said, Atlanta is a 3rd world country. Parts of it are quite similar to Somalia.

 

[Sam1911]

His point was that there are a lot of loud rude people there.
And he is in fact correct about that.

Of course he is. But what he actually said was that one should not carry a gun there because of that, and added "... I might have been tempted to use a firearm had I had one on me. Something to consider"

Most of us have carried guns in very crowded places, and around rude and inconsiderate people. It would not cross my mind to suggest that another lawful gun toter would need to "consider" that he might be tempted to shoot someone for rudeness!

Maybe it was a joke. Didn't read like humor, but I hope so.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Generally, Atlanta is a place to avoid, as it is the current armpit of the south. Sherman burned Atlanta 150 years early.

Yes and yes.

hso, as a resident of Tennessee you should join up at http://www.georgiapacking.org/forum/ It is good to keep up with your neighbors firearms issues.

Here is thread from that site with more info for your enjoyment.

http://www.georgiapacking.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=50404

This will give you all the info you need and was responded to from GA residents who stay very up to date on Concealed Carry issues and Places Off Limits.

 

[Balrog]

Maybe it was a joke. Didn't read like humor, but I hope so.

If he routinely shoots rude people, then I would figure he would already be in jail.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Last time I was there(2009), they had security screening similar to a commercial airport. As mentioned, it is private property, so obviously they make their own rules... and according to GA code, it is not illegal per se (only a misdemeanor if you refuse to leave once asked), but they will not allow you in once they find out you are carrying through the metal detectors.

I used to live less than three blocks from there. Last time I went, I literally walked from my apartment in less than ten minutes, so I am very familiar with the area... and it is a bad area. There are several homeless shelters within a few blocks and section 8 housing is mixed in with the Centennial Olympic Apartments directly adjacent to it. It is downtown, it has "low-income" housing nearby, homeless shelters nearby... so, unfortunately muggings are relatively commonplace. There have been several carjackings, motor vehicle thefts, and murders as well since I've lived around here the last 5 years. They view people from out of town as suckers who can be hassled into giving them money, robbed or worse.

Personally, I do not go anywhere around here without my pistol. But at the same time, leaving it in the car in that area would be a HUGE mistake if you use public parking. My car has been broken into twice in the last five years here.

My suggestion would be this: Take your pistol, PAY FOR AQUARIUM PARKING, and leave it in the car... It will be expensive. Maybe even $20 or more to park, but if you are going with your family and need your pistol, then it will be worth it to have secured parking if your pistol stays in the car. Carry while in route, and put it back on as soon as you get back to the car. It's unlikely that you'll find trouble, but still much more likely than any other place in the Southeast so act accordingly. Don't be a sucker to the street people and con artists either.

Oh, and if you do take my advice and pay for aquarium parking, it is attached directly to the aquarium itself. So there will be no walking for blocks downtown while disarmed. And yes, you will see future America's Most Wanted prospects while inside and they may crowd you and be completely rude, but you should be alright.

P.S. Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

 

[Sam1911]

Maybe it was a joke. Didn't read like humor, but I hope so.

If he routinely shoots rude people, then I would figure he would already be in jail.

At the dire risk of further hijacking the thread, I'll try to wrap up my thoughts with this:

We hear very frequently from folks who are opposed to concealed carry and open carry that they are certain that citizens walking around in public will resort to drawing their weapons as a way to settle petty grievances. Literally, "shooting each other over parking spaces." This "blood in the streets" theme is one of the prime levers that the opposition uses to push fear and stop the loosening of carry laws.

"What if someone cuts you off in traffic?" "What if someone spills a beer on your shoes?" "What if someone's in your seat at the opera?" "What if someone pushes you in a crowd?" And the suggestion is always that otherwise law-abiding people will be willing to commit assault with a deadly weapon, or manslaughter, simply because they have a gun with them. If we restrict their access to a weapon, they'll remain peaceable ... right?

So, that's why I find it alarming when someone says here, with apparent serious consideration, that they wouldn't carry (and others should not carry) in this public place because they would be tempted to use their weapon due to the rudeness of parents ... and kids.

Even if that's a joke, it is ghastly. If not a joke, then there's a deeper problem. This is what our opponents say against us. Do we believe it, too?

 

[dcdub]

Sorry to offend Sam.
I wasn't really trying to be humorous, and I certainly was not admitting to some deep rooted temperament issues. Simply using hyperbole to get the point across that it is a horrible, horrible place, especially for anyone with the slightest case of claustrophobia or social anxiety and that your odds of getting "made" in a place like that are extremely high. If it was an insult to anything, which it was not, it was an insult to hso's ability to conceal.

Sometimes you just have to relax, and, as Balrog put it, not get your panties wadded over everything, like when someone bumps into you at the GA aquarium.

Thanks for understanding, Balrog

 

[Kristensdaddy]

Went to the Aquarium last fall. Had a little SOG Fusion knife in my pocket, no issues. Went across Olympic Park to the World of Coca Cola and they took the knife and gave me a receipt to pick it up on the way out. They had a whole box of knives and spray.

As others said, park in the Aquarium parking deck. It puts you right next door. Be aware, though, the Aquarium closes pretty early, like 5 or 6. If you eat dinner there the deck will be mostly empty when you walk back to your car. Met some less than desireables on the way to the car but no problems resulted.

 

[SleazyRider]

Don't take your guns to town, hso, better to leave them locked up back in the hotel safe. The aquarium is a pretty safe bet, and Underground Atlanta really ain't worth seeing. Better to spend that time at the Atlanta Cyclorama/Zoo, where the Texas is on display. (Be sure to read Stealing the General prior to visiting.) I know this isn't the "right" answer, but it is better than spending your holiday arguing some point of law down at police headquarters.