What should I do about this?

[expvideo]

I keep seeing these signs posted around restaurants that have bars in them that say:
"Washington State Law prohibits the carrying or possession of any firearm in this type of liquor licensed establishment, other than by a law enforcement officer (RCW 9.41.300 (d)"

This is not true. Since people under 21 are allowed in these areas, the sign is incorrect. the RCW reads:

"(1) It is unlawful for any person to enter the following places when he or she knowingly possesses or knowingly has under his or her control a weapon:
(d) That portion of an establishment classified by the state liquor control board as off-limits to persons under twenty-one years of age; or"

Since I've seen these signs in all-ages billiards halls, and in restaurants that serve alcohol, I am very upset that the law is being misinterpreted this way. It seems almost like the brady bunch took the list of liqour licensed establishments and sent them all a bunch of signs.

How should I go about confronting this problem? I think these signs need to go, and I don't have a problem confronting the managers of these establishments, but I'd like some advise.

Thank you all.

 

[strat81]

Speak to the manager politely and have a copy of the statute with you. Explain that your money will be spent elsewhere until the sign comes down. Follow up with a letter. See if your state has a concealed carry message board/group that can help you in your campaign.

 

[wdlsguy]

In Texas, this type of sign comes from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Occasionally you will see the sign intended for bars at a non-bar. Contacting the TABC seems to be a good way to get the correct sign posted. Perhaps the Washington equivalent of the TABC can help in this regard.

 

[The Real Wyatt]

I wouldn't confront the manager. He/She probably has nothing to do with the sign being there and no control over it being there.

I think I'd send a letter to the Washington State liquor control board inquiring as to why this establishment has such a sign posted when, in fact, it isn't in violation of RCW 9.41.300 (d) for a properly licensed person to carry a concealed handgun within that secton of the premises.

I'd cc the registered owner of the establishment.

The Washington State liquor control board might very well ignore your letter, but I'll guarantee that the owner will sit up and take notice. His/Her liquor license is a VITALLY important component of the annual income of the business and the owner isn't going to take any chance whatsoever of jeopardising or being unable to renew that license. The owner wishes desperately to remain completely invisible to the state liquor board, believe me.