Keep in mind that if the private property owner/manager wants you to leave, you probably have to leave, and if they do call the police, you could potentially be “trespassed” (what my prior area called it) and it’s then a criminal offense if you return.
Even if signs dont’ have weight of law, an employee telling you to leave probably does.
Signs mean what they mean… Meaning, if I’m not wanted at a business simply because I’m carrying, I don’t go. Police in my locale are very hesitant to “trespass” a person for carrying in a location where signs prohibiting such aren’t posted. That falls into the “gotcha” category! Asking and telling are very different things. If I’m TOLD to leave a location because I’m carrying, I’m going out the door, as required by Texas law. Once I get out, I’m calling someone in charge in that business and inquiring as to whether or not that is the official stance of the business and, if it is, I’m going to let that person know that I will no longer patronize their business.
Regardless of which sign is posted, once a person receives effective consent (either verbal or written notice) that entry on the property is prohibited, he or she must promptly leave or risk being charged with a misdemeanor.
She could be wrong but my attorney has opined that WHO “asks/tells” you to leave makes a HUGE difference. A person in a position of leadership/management within that institution can make that decision and it has weight. Supposedly, a clerk/janitor/stocker may have their opinions but they don’t get to dictate policy or make decisions for the business. That individual may be uncomfortable with you carrying but their “discomfort” isn’t necessarily driving the business’s policy on carrying.
Again, if anybody at the business TELLS me to leave, I’m outta there and I’ll deal with it later but I’m still not going to crumple, simply because some flunky wants to climb on a soap-box about me carrying. First of all, if they have any idea that I’m carrying, I’ve failed in my goal of being discreet. Secondly, they’ve failed in communicating to me that they’d rather I not carry in their establishment.
Are you sure? In SC the sign must adhere to State regulations: specified wording, specific size, and posted in a particular method & location. If not, the sign is worthless (can safely be ignored). Just up the road in NC, if it says “no firearms” you are breaking the law if you ignore the sign (same class misdemeanor as a traffic citation).
Are these stores in Texas? I live in Houston to be more specific. But I am planning on doing some traveling and business in Texas and Louisiana. Also, now that I am seeing this post, I am started a new business. My question is; how do I make my business a 2nd Amendment supported?
That is very true. Being a part of a Building Security Team for Property Management, it was usually a part of company policy which is funny since the team would be armed anyway.