The Letter of the Law

[Swamp Fox]

I went to get some paint matched at the paint store yesterday and on leaving I noticed a "No Concealable Weapons Allowed" posting. I thought it odd that I didn't see it on my way in.

Anyway when I went back today I scrutinized this sign a little more carefully and it does not fit the letter of the law. The writing is not located properly on the sign (as prescribed by law) nor is it clearly visible from the outside (as prescribed by law).

I don't know if this was done intentionally as to only satisfy "corporate" policy or if it was an honest mistake. What it means in SC is that if they found me carrying I would only be asked to leave rather than automatically guilty of trespassing for disobeying the posting.

Bottom line, know the law.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Paco]

Good observation. It is probably an easy way to comply with corporate policy, also they can now ask someone to leave if they notice they are carrying and if not charge them with trespassing.

I have heard of many places using signs like this, although I nave yet to see one myself.

[calmp9]

I went to get some paint matched at the paint store yesterday and on leaving I noticed a "No Concealable Weapons Allowed" posting. I thought it odd that I didn't see it on my way in.

Anyway when I went back today I scrutinized this sign a little more carefully and it does not fit the letter of the law. The writing is not located properly on the sign (as prescribed by law) nor is it clearly visible from the outside (as prescribed by law).

I don't know if this was done intentionally as to only satisfy "corporate" policy or if it was an honest mistake. What it means in SC is that if they found me carrying I would only be asked to leave rather than automatically guilty of trespassing for disobeying the posting.

Bottom line, know the law.

I wouldn't say that it was intentional. There are a lot of misinformed people out there when it comes to firearms. It could very well be that the manager told his workers to put a sign up and they did so without consulting the regulations.

[goawayfarm]

DON'T point it out to them!

[Anubis]

I noticed a "No Concealable Weapons Allowed" posting.

Probably the management is indicating carrying a rifle or shotgun is OK.

[Ram Rod]

Bottom line, know the law.

Very true. I've found in a lot of cases that those of us who are aware, and utilize the laws the way they were intended, and not actively searching for loopholes...may actually know more about the technical reading of the law and the actual wording of the law and intent, than those who would generalize, and use, abuse, and enforce the laws. That's just my experience. I know more obscure traffic laws in my state than most LEO's. I also think I know why they don't enforce them as well.

[yourbestdefense]

Being a SC LEO and CWP Instructor, I can tell you that you cannot be charged for violating the carry prohibition in the CWP law if the business did not post the sign properly or if the sign did not meet the letter of the law. The store representatives can only ask you to leave.

This situation is similar to the SC DUI law that requires the vehicle to be "in motion" as one of the many elements of a DUI case. If an officer finds someone passed out at the wheel with their foot on the brake and the vehicle is not moving the driver may only be charged with Public Drunkenness since the situation did not meet EVERY element of the law.

As a previous post stated, DON'T TELL THEM! They may change it.

[luvmyglock]

I would carry my AR-15 in there, and see what they say about the "concealability" of it.

[Wilhelm]

. . . on leaving I noticed a "No Concealable Weapons Allowed" posting.

They probably don't want anyone standing around outside the shop with concealable weapons. Hope they match paint better than they proof signs.

[FN1910]

Being a SC LEO and CWP Instructor, I can tell you that you cannot be charged for violating the carry prohibition in the CWP law if the business did not post the sign properly or if the sign did not meet the letter of the law. The store representatives can only ask you to leave.

As a previous post stated, DON'T TELL THEM! They may change it.

I noticed a very nice sign on a building a few weeks ago that said no concealed weapons but did not come close to meeting the requirements. I may have carried in there just for spite except that it was a medical office building and didn't need the signs to start with. If the sign doesn't fit, you must acquit.

Go ahead and carry if you want to and they say something then point out the improper sign. You have not broken any law.

[archer51]

I noticed a mall sign here in the Richmond area that prohibits the carrying of weapons. Not sure why but I happened to glance up and saw the mall rules sign, posted above a interior door, at a height of about 9 feet. If they don't want to post signage in the proper manner, or in a conspicuous location I see no reason to obey it.

[Swamp Fox]

As a previous post stated, DON'T TELL THEM! They may change it.

Seeing as though I have a large painting project going on and I don't plan on disarming on each trip, it ain't exactly on my to do list.

[gotammo]

Letter of the law or not I believe in the intent and the property owner has the right as far as I concern to control their property as they see fit. No means no, would not carry there whether you want to shop there anymore is up to you.

[Swamp Fox]

Letter of the law or not I believe in the intent and the property owner has the right as far as I concern to control their property as they see fit. No means no, would not carry there whether you want to shop there anymore is up to you.

I understand your point, however SC Law is VERY specific on this issue, on purpose.

[Shrugs]

anyone got a pic of the what the Letter of the Law is suppose to look like ?