CCW in a Bar

[Lieut232]

Do Mass. firearms laws prohibit CCW, by a licensed person, in a Bar? In other words if I'm in the bar but obstaining from alcohol do I need to leave the weapon behind?

 

[Len-2A Training]

NO! MGLs prohibit "being under the influence" while in possession of a firearm. There is no definition in this section of law wrt "under the influence" so some have taken the attitude that you can't be in possession after using mouthwash, breathing near others that drink, etc. . . . even thou there is no such prohibition.

You will also find some LEOs/Licensing Officers/Instructors making this "pronouncement" as being illegal as well.

 

[44marty]

In bars, just carry a pack of Newports.

 

[whatluck]

Just don't sit at the bar, and def don't have anything to drink, and you're ok.

 

[HooVooLoo]

Apparently you can get totally shnockered at a bar while CCW, if your carry weapon is unloaded. This is only by virtue of the language of the MGL, and not a good idea, of course. Just thought I'd point out that bit, heh.

 

[M1911]

Just don't sit at the bar, and def don't have anything to drink, and you're ok.

You can sit at the bar. There is no law against it.

 

[Palladin]

WTF.

 

[whatluck]

You can sit at the bar. There is no law against it.

You're right. I should have expanded a little.

I don't sit at the bar because I carry IWB and print real bad when I sit on a barstool, and people tend get too close. I like to sit in the booth, with my strong side against the wall, so I can relax and talk to my friends or whomever. It works for me because I don't really drink, and am usually the designated driver anyways. So I get to be the designated shooter, too.

 

[M1911]

You're right. I should have expanded a little.

I don't sit at the bar because I carry IWB and print real bad when I sit on a barstool, and people tend get too close. I like to sit in the booth, with my strong side against the wall, so I can relax and talk to my friends or whomever. It works for me because I don't really drink, and am usually the designated driver anyways. So I get to be the designated shooter, too.

That is why it is always important to distinguish between what the law is, versus your recommended course of action. MA laws are already complicated enough without people adding to the confusion by blurring that distinction.

 

[Lieut232]

Thanks for the replies. Here is what caused me to ask: http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/...-send-two-people-the-hospital-charges-pending
From accounts of people who were on scene the man drew his weapon in defense of himself and his two friends who were being beaten by two seperate groups. It sounds like he may have saved 3 lives.

 

[Palladin]

Thanks for the replies. Here is what caused me to ask: http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/...-send-two-people-the-hospital-charges-pending
From accounts of people who were on scene the man drew his weapon in defense of himself and his two friends who were being beaten by two seperate groups. It sounds like he may have saved 3 lives.

Just another a**h*** journalist who has no concept of what the law actually is.

 

[Kevlar]

Well, that article is short on details, but since licensed possession of a firearm in an establishment that serves alcohol is legal, perhaps he was "under the influence" (M.G.L. c.269 s.10H), and that is the charge they are alluding to.