Georgia Aquarium Denied

Long time reader here but I don't really post much.

Just an FYI for those of you visiting The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, as there is nothing to be found in the way of policy on their website nor are there any signs posted. You will be greeted at the entrance with security looking in bags and with wands. I spoke with the security personell about their policy as we entered the line. They were uncertain to the policy and CCW holders and called down a supervisor who politely and professionally told me I could leave it in my vehicle but I could not bring it in the building, saying I had no real need of it. I explained to him that I wasn't concerned about the inside of the building but the street and parking garage. He reiterated that I shouldnt really have an issue as that area of downtown was "usually okay." I asked them if they escorted people to and from their vehicles and he smiled and said no and that it wasn't their responsibility. I said exactly.

On a side note, I was in shorts and a t-shirt and he couldn't tell if I had my weapon with me or not.

Now my inlaws had already purchased tickets and went inside (with my family) so I thanked the security guy and grudgingly returned my firearm to my vehicle.

I am writing a nice letter to the powers that be at the aquarium explaining that I will not recommend anyone spending $40 per adult and $30 per child (2-12) there and my aggravation at the lack of policy available prior to purchasing a ticket, hence this post. It is a private corporation (as I understand it) and well within their rights.

On the bright side, it irritated my father in law to have to wait on me to return my firearm to the car as I got stuck behind about eight bus loads of day campers on my return so it wasn't all bad....

Welcome to the forum.

Applying logic in an illogical world can be quite the challenge.

There have been quite a few letters that members here wrote to companies to try to change their policies, I would try to search for some, most of them are very well written and could save you some time.

This thread reminded me to check to see if my state (virginia) had reciprocity with Georgia. Strangely, it doesn't. Odd.

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Originally Posted by jchill17

Long time reader here but I don't really post much.

Just an FYI for those of you visiting The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, as there is nothing to be found in the way of policy on their website nor are there any signs posted. You will be greeted at the entrance with security looking in bags and with wands. I spoke with the security personell about their policy as we entered the line. They were uncertain to the policy and CCW holders and called down a supervisor who politely and professionally told me I could leave it in my vehicle but I could not bring it in the building, saying I had no real need of it. I explained to him that I wasn't concerned about the inside of the building but the street and parking garage. He reiterated that I shouldnt really have an issue as that area of downtown was "usually okay." I asked them if they escorted people to and from their vehicles and he smiled and said no and that it wasn't their responsibility. I said exactly.

On a side note, I was in shorts and a t-shirt and he couldn't tell if I had my weapon with me or not.

Now my inlaws had already purchased tickets and went inside (with my family) so I thanked the security guy and grudgingly returned my firearm to my vehicle.

I am writing a nice letter to the powers that be at the aquarium explaining that I will not recommend anyone spending $40 per adult and $30 per child (2-12) there and my aggravation at the lack of policy available prior to purchasing a ticket, hence this post. It is a private corporation (as I understand it) and well within their rights.

On the bright side, it irritated my father in law to have to wait on me to return my firearm to the car as I got stuck behind about eight bus loads of day campers on my return so it wasn't all bad....

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The bold covers the problem. YOU ASK, since it is not prohibited by law, and the company doesn't post it, don't ask, just carry. If they catch it and tell you to leave, then leave. If they don't catch it, then no one but you knows. You can't violate a policy that is not made available to the public.

When I saw your OP I couldn't help but recall the movie special-effects when a large aquarium glass is struck by a bullet. I can recall at least three films featuring that stunt. If I was the Georgia Aquarium I would use (as my denial justification) the chance of a stray bullet immediately dumping millions of gallons of dangerous water & multiple species of VERY rare/exotic aquatic critters on LARGE, UNSUSPECTING GROUPS of visitors. But I would also have & staff a "Check Station" that allowed permitted carriers to surrender & retrieve their handguns upon entering & exiting the building. That way, the visitors maintain their right & ability to self-protection moving to & from the Parking Lot. It would make for a good, common-sense compromise, get them some positive press & just MIGHT entice folks like us to VISIT, rather than AVOID, the place. Downtown Atlanta isn't Nuevo Laredo, but it isn't Mayberry either!

Thanks for the welcome Whec724 and for the letter advice Burns. As for the reciprocity between VA and GA, that is surprising.

Truthfully Archer51, had they not had the hand wands I would have just walked right on through and not thought a second thought about it. The wands actually made me ask, discretely of course. I figured they wouldn't miss the big metal thing on my right hip. The security people were very professional and didn't make a big deal of it. I just stepped to the side and waited. When the supervisor came down we kind of walked off a bit from the crowd and discussed it, again discretely.

I had been there before about four years ago and we weren't subjected to airport type security, which makes me wonder why this time.

I am not really upset or irritated about it, as it is what it is. I just wanted it out there for others to know and make an informed choice. Had I known their policy, I would have saved 25 minutes of my life with the waiting and return trip to the car.

I went once and the wands were turned off while they were wanding people.

Georgia Aquarium | Plan Your Trip

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Is there a security check before you get into the Aquarium?
Yes. There are no guns, knives, matches, lighters, fishing poles, outside food, beverage or gum allowed inside the Aquarium.

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I've visited a couple of times. The security isn't nearly as tight as it was after they first opened.
I've never carried matches, lighters, fishing poles, outside food, beverage or gum inside the Aquarium. The other two, well:wink:.

They tried to give me crap about my flashlight once. I wasn't in the mood and the conversation didn't last long.

Honestly, considering that it's in Atlanta, the trouble you have to go through to carry there and the fact that it's not really that great of an attraction, I don't see myself ever going back.

Take up scuba diving. Ocean doesn't charge a cover to get in and the fish don't care if you carry.

Unfortunately, if you had checked the FAQ, they tell you all of this.

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Is there a security check before you get into the Aquarium?

Yes. There are no guns, knives, matches, lighters, fishing poles, outside food, beverage or gum allowed inside the Aquarium.

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Georgia Aquarium | Plan Your Trip

You could probably sneak in with one on your ankle or something, but I opted to leave mine in the car the last time I went in.

Edit: ....Whoops HKR beat me to it, lol.

Did you ask him if they would buy a new firearm for you if yours was stolen from the car?

Thanks HKR and Lotus222, I stand corrected. I still say some signage would have been nice.

Super trucker, no there were signs stating the management wasn't responsible for dings, theft, etc.

Supervisor sounds like a sheep...



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I think you did the right thing. I'd much rather not bring attention if they had the wands. Bring attention in the area (I imagine the type of location I was in New Orleans at the aquarium) and I would be worried that I would have a broken window to contend with along with hours worth paperwork with local LEO or worry like heck that very situation would take place because a passer by saw saw me disarming.