Questions on open carry in Maine:

[Centurian22]

I am attempting to do thorough research on both open and concealed carry in Maine. I intend to open carry soon, and concealed carry upon obtaining my permit. I have not yet found the specific state legislation that outlines the regulations pertaining to open carry. I have however found information from other open carry summary sites such as opencarry.org. One such piece of information is the following:
"Places in Maine where firearms cannot be carried, with or without a permit, include:

Courtrooms
Jails
Labor strike sites
Places that serve alcohol
Schools"

I understand all but the 'places that serve alcohol' part. I do understand you wouldn't carry to a bar, and certainly would not consume at any point while carrying, but my question is this: just about any restaurant that I would go to lunch or dinner with my wife 'serves alcohol'. Applebee's, Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden ect. Am I to understand that it is illeagal to carry open or concealed in ANY and ALL of these locations or is there something I'm missing?

Also in recent local news:*
A person detained for open carry in Portland, Maine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfdEbe7e9GE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

This now makes the second video of the day that has brought to my attention the lack of a legal obligation to provide proof of identification to a law enforcement officer, without due cause.

My poll / question is this. What is more important and professional. To stick strictly to our rights and not provide ID. Or to be more cooperative and provide your ID so they can verify that you are not a criminal. I am not looking to debate OC vs CC here, just simply input on how this person handled things and how professional vs cooperative to be.

 

[Ryanxia]

First off, restaurants that serve alcohol are ok in maine as long as you're not drinking. Specific BARS I don't believe are. The bar area at a restaurant I think is a grey area.

Second, portland is known for hassling people open carrying (even though it is legal).

As far as showing ID it depends how much time you want to spend before going on about your day. But unless you're in portland most cops won't stop you for simply having a gun on your hip, it's fairly common.

All that being said, I just conceal carry and don't worry about it. Out of sight out of mind.

 

[hermannr]

He said he does not have a concealed permit yet, so his options are limited.

I would OC, I do OC, and have so for over 40 years, even though I have a CPL...in that time period I have learned, the nervous person gets the unwanted attention, if you OC or CC.

Carry like it is legal (it is) and no different than if you wished to wear a hat, or not, and guess what, no one will even notice. Know your carry law, read it, and read it again. Remember, what is written in the law is what is Prohibited, lawful activity does not need a law to make it lawful. If it is not prohibited, it is permitted.

Look for specific exemptions to broadly written law also. There may be an exemption you wish to exercise. Watch out for gotya's in the law...you have to read carefully, and for open carry...OCDO is a good resource. Just check into you particular state's forum.

As for ID. Read you local law carefully, but generally, to Identify yourself is to give your name..it does not necessarily mean present your "papers". (This is not 1939 Germany you know.) If you are doing something that requires a license (driving) you may be asked for you license, but only your drivers license...OC does not require a license, and you do not have to produce your drivers license to prove who you are walking down the street.

Keep cool, keep calm, and no-one will bother you...I have had one LE encounter since July 1970...and it lasted all of two words..Him "hunting", me "Yep" at a grocery store purchasing camp supplies.