How Does Wisconsin’s New Concealed Carry Law Affect Small Businesses?
On November 1, Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law went into effect, making it legal for individuals who have a concealed carry license to carry concealed firearms in public (with certain exceptions – for example, even with a concealed carry license, it is still not legal to carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school).
Several of my small business clients have phoned me with questions about the possibility that someone might carry a concealed firearm into their place of business. Some business owners are concerned about their possible liability if a firearm were to be discharged on the premises of their businesses, causing damages or injury, while others, for ethical or philosophical reasons, simply don’t like the idea of having guns carried onto their property. Despite the new law, can you, as a business owner, prohibit firearms on your own property?
The answer is yes, you can prohibit guns on your own property, and many businesses are doing exactly that. Wisconsin law does not require you to allow your customers and clients to carry weapons into your business place. If you want to prohibit guns on your business property, I recommend that you start with the following two steps:
1. Put up a sign that clearly states your policy. In the photos accompanying this blog post, you can see several possible sign formats. For example, the sign I found at Sears reads: “No Firearms or Weapons Allowed on This Property.” Your sign could use the same words or other words to that effect, as long as the language you choose is clear. Depending on the business, you may prefer a smaller, more tasteful sign. You might put a sign in the window of your business rather than right on the street. Either option is acceptable as long as the sign is clearly visible and leaves no doubt as to your business policy.
Why do you need a sign? Well, first of all, your clients and customers may not be clairvoyant. They won’t know what your policy is unless you state it. Secondly, however, if you do see a customer carrying a weapon, having a clear policy posted in a location that is plainly visible to any person entering the business puts you, the business owner, in a better position if you choose to phone the authorities. You can then report that a firearm was carried into your business in defiance of your stated policy, and you can request assistance.
2. Take a few minutes to check with your insurance carrier. Ask your insurance agent specifically whether your insurance will cover your liability if you are sued for an injury or damage that might be caused if a gun were to be fired in your place of business. In addition, you will want to ask whether your insurance will cover any damages to your business place that might be caused by the discharge of a firearm. Get your answer in writing, or write to your agent afterward with a thank you letter that notes your appreciation of his or her time and that you are glad to know that your insurance will cover you (if that is what you were told) in the event that you ever are sued for damages related to the discharge of a firearm.
If you have further questions related to your particular type of business, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may also wish to read the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s FAQ on this issue: http://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/ConcealedCarry/ccw-faq-20111020.pdf.
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1st learn how to use spell check. 2nd just as much as people feel they have right to conceal a weapon, a business owner has the right to say no shoes, no shirt, and if you have a gun no service. Not the whole of America is trying to sue other people who are trying to make a living. Grow up and act like an adult and stop playing cowboys and Indians.
!new concealed carry law! 1st with a permit you can carry into 1000 ft of school zone not on school ground or building.
2nd if a owner bans carring a gun by a permit holder and that ccw holder gets shot or hurt in a crime you banned his gun your going be sued cause you took away his right to protect himself and his famile say Hello new car!!! THANK YOU JESUS!!!! by the la wif you allow concealed you have inmunity from anyone getting hurt on your ground cause it’s in the law.
Call me a lier and I will sue you . Its black and white on the books.