Should Concealed Carry be Allowed in the Workplace?

Presently, although concealed carry is allowed in all states, many businesses have rules that prohibit employees from carrying in the workplace. As owners or renters of the private space, it is their right to make it a no guns property.

There are several reasons for this decision. The business may be operating out of leased space and the owner has a policy to prohibit firearms.

The building may be shared by other organizations or agencies that are opposed to guns.

The type of business, its mission statement and/or the community it serves may preclude firearms.

The business may have customers or suppliers or even neighbors who are anti-gun and they do not wish to offend them for public relations reasons.

Does posting a “no guns allowed” sign suffice as a legal prohibition of guns in a business premises? In Texas and Ohio, a law prohibits the employer from forbidding employees to concealed carry at work. In other states, perhaps employers do not have a law forbidding a no guns sign. In addition, if the owner asks you to leave your firearm outside or vacate the space, your failure to comply is then legally considered trespassing. Most states recognize an employer’s right to prohibit firearms. This applies to employees, service people, clients, and visitors.  

There is another issue. By making a fuss about concealed carry, you might be negatively impacting your career. How you handle your employer’s refusal to let you bring your firearm into his/her work space may be a strong factor when performance reviews, promotions, or raises are discussed. Your decision could put your job security, your income, or your livelihood at risk.

So how do you handle it? Do you comply? Should you lock your gun in the car? Do you directly contest the rule? Do you risk concealed carry in the face of being asked not to do so?

Certainly if it is a federal, state, or local law, you should not break the law. If it is an employer decision, it is something you will have to wrestle with. You know the potential risks. Is this a stand you really want to take? Do you feel that strongly about it?

Is there a compromise? For example: Is there a locker where you can secure your weapon? Can you leave your weapon in your locked vehicle? In some states, including Washington and Delaware, this is not allowed. 

In some jobs, it isn’t practical, safe, or conceivable to concealed carry. Some states have designated schools, hospitals, jails, courthouses and/or churches as gun-free zones.

If you feel strongly about your right to concealed carry at work, your first step is to check out what laws say. Next, check with the employee handbook or human resources about the issue. Then decide: Is this something you might discuss with your employer. Does he/she know the benefits of having employees who are legally armed? Perhaps there is a misunderstanding. Maybe one of you does not have all the facts. It may be worth a respectful discussion.