chemicalpoet

I always liked this mall, it's a pretty cool place overall, and one of the better malls around these parts.

So, my birthday was the 25th and my girlfriend and I decided to take a trip up the mall to shop a bit and grab a bite to eat @ TGI Fridays.

While waiting for seats, I got some odd stares from a couple folks, obviously because of my carry method, but thought nothing of it and proceeded to have a good dinner.

While passing Spencer's and thinking about what flick to see, I was confronted by three mall cops, and the "leader" (one not on the silly segway) flagged me down, informing me that this mall is private property, and all firearms are prohibited.

"Is that right? Well, do you have some proof?" I asked, because I always take a few seconds to scan every entrance to any confine I plan on entering, and there was definitely NOT a "posted" thing of any kind on the door, and I was a bit perplexed.

"Sure, it's posted; I'll show you, and I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Shall we?" I reached for my finance's hand as I began moving with the "herd."

"So, when did this mall start banning legal firearm carry?" I asked.

"Well, it's not that you can't carry, but it's just so big--I carry a 4" bbl. .357--and it can freak people out."

We approach the "posting". This posting was is actually located INSIDE the doors of this mall, which is pretty far beyond the norm, and frankly, I began questioning myself on the legality of the placement of this posting. It seemed a little precarious and silly to me.

Right on the virtually hidden "mall rules" poster near the entrance, was my prohibition in question, number #6. I think a little after "no outside food or drinks." Yup, no guns by anyone, and the security guy was quite a ways off with his information.

I will say I did get off pretty well after looking at the potential fines and consequences for having a gun in there (it's rash.)

So, long story short, guns are only for criminals there. Sorry guys.

I'm rather gad I didn't drop the $500 on clothes, video games and sporting/hunting goods in that place after that. 'Shame too, I liked that mall.

Next time, mustached, Segway-mounted, helmeted, mall cop. Next time. . .

TN_Mike

I believe the law states that the entrances must be posted. I think you could have beaten any charge that they may have tried to bring on you for carrying.

Still, I would surely write a nice letter telling the mall owners that you planned on spending a good deal of money there and that you now will not be shopping there and have since spread the word on at least one very prominent internet site dedicated to the lawful carry of self defense firearms.

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kellyII

Well thats too bad, I too like visiting the mall on occasion.
Now it just gives me a reason not to leave Bass Pro and wander into the mall area now

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chemicalpoet

Maybe they were decoys?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eub5cbqAGX4

Yup, I sent a "friendly" letter. It wouldn't have been so bad if it were just me, and not a birthday celebration.

My family is part of the one that owns Cracker Barrel, and we have a strong foot-hold in most of the probationary and D.U.I education systems in East TN. 'Not gloating (no jealousy, I'm not too "rich", and the 'Barrel likes its money), it is what it is, and I guess 'ole granny Annie won't be picking up that $8k mink she was looking at @ O-mills this Winter.

Kelly, heck, I'm not sure is the gun prohib. keeps legally armed citizens out of Bass or not, be careful on that one (or inform me, because I surely do not know), but that store is quite the awesome (barring their ridiculous gun prices and "no trigger before you buy" policy.) I find it to be one of the best zombie stands in TN.

F350

Mall management probably doesn't give a flip......Inform the merchants you intended to do business with that due to mall management policy all your business will now go to other merchants.

retsupt99

Good point...the management gets their money from the stores without worrying about you. It's the individual business who you need to inform of your plan/concerns...

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"That I cannot do."

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kellyII

Im just about 100% sure Bass Pro is not posted, however when you walk outside of basspro youre now in the main area of the mall, which is a no carry

__________________
"History does not entrust the care of Freedom to the weak and Timid:
General Dwight Eisenhouser

heater

Not long ago they had some gang bangers shoot it out in that mall. I guess the mall only wants the bangers to have guns and not the good guys. I just don't get it, it makes no sense to ban honest people from helping to protect the place. I know I won't be going back. As for Bass Pro, they have enourmous influence with the management of that mall. Makes me wonder where their head really is regarding defensive carry?

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SCfromNY

The type of sign you are talking about is a generic sign that would be placed somewhere since it came with the "mall kit". Here in Myrtle Beach in 5 years I have seen 1 legal sign, in a IHOP. There are the generic signs at the Coastal Grand Mall and the mall movie theaters and they have no meaning.

When open carrying you do have a disadvantage in argruments since they can ask you to leave. With concealed carry no one would know and you would be legal without a hassel. This is not meant to disrespect OC just the way it falls in many places.

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archer51

Not sure about TN law, but most places require all entrances to be posted. If you enter the mall through an entrance that isn't posted about all that can be done is ask you to leave. They could possibly try to do more about it, but in court they would lose.