va chp restrictions

[newkahrman]

Just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. I have a ccw in va and want to get current info on where I can't carry. I am pretty sure gov't bldgs, schools, and financial institutions are a no. I know restarants that serve alcohol restrict cc. I just want to make sure I am within the law. The last thing I want is to lose this priviledge.

 

[RNB65]

You can carry in state government buildings and financial institutions as long as they don't have "No gun" signs posted at the door. People have been known to open carry at the General Assembly building here in Richmond and even while attending General Assembly committee meetings. It makes the Capitol Police really nervous, but it's legal.

Here are the details. The places where you can't conceal carry are listed at the very bottom.

http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Firearms_ResidentConcealed.shtm

 

[newkahrman]

A thousand thanks

 

[chris in va]

You can also keep your firearm on you when picking up your kid at school provided you stay in the car. New rule change a year or two ago.

They're trying to get CC allowed in ABC licensed establishments (restaurants, etc) here soon. Until then however, you still have to open carry there.

Generally speaking if a firearm isn't allowed by federal law, they'll put up this HUGE sign saying so. For example, the VA hospital up in Martinsburg WV has one of these. So does the courthouse, along with it's metal detectors. I'm a little fuzzy on the subject, but I believe also the post office has you disarm.

Now other places can certainly post 'no firearms' on their windows, but its simply a trespassing charge if you refuse to leave. Not a felony to my knowledge. Wachovia is an example.

If you can, get 'Virginia Gun Owners Guide' by Alan Korwin and Steve Maniscalco.

 

[herohog]

The VCDL is your friend! Anything you need to know is either on, of linked to from their site. Do yourself a favor and sign up for the email newsletters, NO SPAM will come your way and you will NOT be put on any other lists.
http://www.vcdl.org

 

[MarkDido]

Can someone please explain the rationale of open carry in restarants that serve alcohol, vice concealed?

 

[herohog]

i don't know that there IS a rational involved unless the anti's want to see who has a gun so they can keep an eye on them...

 

[30 cal slob]

Can someone please explain the rationale of open carry in restarants that serve alcohol, vice concealed?

Under VA law, it is presently unlawful to carry a concealed handgun into an establishment that serves alcohol.

However, open carry in such an establishment is not illegal (and therefore legal).

If you're grabbing a bite in a VA restaurant that serves alcohol, you either lock up your CCW in your car or open carry it.

Given the choice, I personally would go with the latter. No sense in being disarmed.

As mentioned, there is pending legislation to remove such establishments from the "off-limits" list.

Even restrictive states like MA and RI don't forbid bar/restaurant carry (as long as you're not drinking).

 

[SWMAN]

Originally Posted by Mark Dido
Can someone please explain the rationale of open carry in restarants that serve alcohol, vice concealed?

Under VA law, it is presently unlawful to carry a concealed handgun into an establishment that serves alcohol.

So the sot sitting at the bar next to you can reach over, lift it out of your holster and shoot it!

 

[basicblur]

+1 for VCDL!

Just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. I have a ccw in va and want to get current info on where I can't carry.

ESPECIALLY since you live in VA, sign up for their free e-mails-more than likely you’ll join after you see the excellent work these folks do. As someone stated, they’re possibly the best RKBA organization around. As you can see from the page at the link below, they give you “just the facts” as well as a link to the state law so you can read it for yourself.

AFA where you can/can’t carry in VA, check out VCDL’s page at http://www.vcdl.org/static/ccw.html
You also might want to check out/print letters from their site at http://www.vcdl.org/static/letters.html

Both of the above links can be accessed from their main page (the links in the right-hand column) at www.vcdl.org

 

[basicblur]

Can someone please explain the rationale of open carry in restarants that serve alcohol, vice concealed?

There is no rationale…who was the lawyer that said, “The law is an ass”?
I think many restaurant owners (or certain politicians) didn’t want CCW in (their) restaurants, not realizing that under the law, OC was allowed.
There have been more than a few cases where VCDL folks who were OCing ended up having discussions with restaurant owners over the issue (often after their weapon was spotted by someone), and upon explaining (the foolishness of) current VA law, have seen the light and now support VCDL’s efforts to have the law changed to allow CCW (I think if you’re NOT drinking).

When I go to a certain chain restaurant that serves alcohol (I don’t drink), I remove my jacket just before I go in, fold it over my arm, and hold it in FRONT of my weapon (not OVER it). I keep my arm tucked tightly (elbow over gun) and since the gun and holster are all black, it’s rarely/never seen, especially in the dim light of the restaurant. When being seated, I always make sure the weapon is facing the inside wall to help keep it from view.

A bit of a pain, but until they change the law, guess it works for me…

 

[RNB65]

Can someone please explain the rationale of open carry in restarants that serve alcohol, vice concealed?

It's called a loophole. Something that was completely overlooked by the powers that be.

In other words, the politicians in the General Assembly most likely didn't know enough about state gun law to even realize that open carry was an alternative in bars/restaurants. Most of them probably had no idea that open handgun carry is legal in VA and never even considered it when they were drafting/debating/voting on the concealed carry legislation.
.

 

[newkahrman]

thanks to everyone for your input.

 

[brickeyee]

Get a copy of the 'Virginia Gun Owners guide' and read it.

Virginia has NO statute law on lethal force, it is ALL case law.
This book has refs to the most important portions.