South St. in Philly?

[Ramtuff]

I'm going to be in the city a couple weeks from now, and my buddy wants to hit up South St. while we're there. What's security like at the bars down there? At most, I might have a beer or two, so I'm not going to be liquored up, and I'd like to carry. My current rig is an out of the waistband paddle holster, but I'm assuming any type of security is going to do a pat down and/or wand. It'll be a Wednesday if that makes any difference.

[gbrown221]

ankle holster would be best.

i have yet to be at a bar in south street that has metal detectors.

[senorlinc]

personally, i live just off of south street. i grew up there as well. always been a shady spot on weekends. i havent been to a "party" bar there (fat tuesdays/ manny brown/jc dobbs) in a while but have never seen guys getting pat down or "wanded" there any where. old city is a different story.....heres th emy personal opinion part, i dont carry if im in a bar-and there are certainly better places to spend a wednesday night....go to mcfaddens for the phils game!

[archon]

The last time I was on South Street I didnt see a single bar with such security measures. But, there are much better, less shady, places to spend an evening. Go into Old City or Broad Street.

Even so, don't worry about it if they are wanding or patting down. Just refuse the search and leave. It is private security so there is nothing they can do as long as you don't try to enter. In fact, it would actually be a tort (or perhaps multiple) if they forced you to undergo screening if you had verbally refused and immediately tried to exit. Keep in mind there is nothing illegal about carrying in a bar in PA. (I will let other debate the appropriateness of the action though.)

[ScubaVr6]

I can't think of anywhere on South st. that does pat downs/wands. Strictly for strip clubs and dance clubs. I prefer drinks at O'neals on 3rd and south for a sportsbar in that area.

[Ramtuff]

No security works for me. lol. Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by archon

The last time I was on South Street I didnt see a single bar with such security measures. But, there are much better, less shady, places to spend an evening. Go into Old City or Broad Street.

Even so, don't worry about it if they are wanding or patting down. Just refuse the search and leave. It is private security so there is nothing they can do as long as you don't try to enter. In fact, it would actually be a tort (or perhaps multiple) if they forced you to undergo screening if you had verbally refused and immediately tried to exit. Keep in mind there is nothing illegal about carrying in a bar in PA. (I will let other debate the appropriateness of the action though.)

Yes, I'm aware that I don't have to submit to a search or enter the building. I'd rather not make waves if I can avoid it, cause we'll be with my buddy's girlfriend and I'm unsure of her feelings towards firearms and those who carry.

I thought Broad St. was a dump? That's what I've always been told. I'm not all that familiar with the city though. I only venture into it for the occasional concert or to hit up the auto show every few years. I'm totally unfamiliar with Old City, but I am assuming that's Center City?? And just how "shady" is South St.?


As a side note, what's inappropriate about carrying in a bar? Last I checked, bars aren't magical happy lands where there is no trouble or need to defend yourself.

[King 5.45]

Originally Posted by Ramtuff

As a side note, what's inappropriate about carrying in a bar? Last I checked, bars aren't magical happy lands where there is no trouble or need to defend yourself.

Their place, their rules. Sometimes they get some rough, bumptious company coming in who might go at it at the silliest slight, and they'd like to keep the blood outside. I've gone into places that insisted that I surrender custody to remain inside, and it's a crap shoot at best what might happen with it out of your sight. Your best bet is to stay out of any place that insists on a no-weapons policy, or wear it on your ankle.

[fonz]

nothing really shady about south street, just a diverse crowd. never seen anyone patted down or "wanded" if thats a word, like others said. only place around here i've seen with metal detectors was The Oasis on Essington Ave. some good places to hang out in Center City but that can get shady late at night once you go off the beaten path. Brought up CC with the bouncers at Drinkers one night and they said "as long as it stays in the holster we dont care." add that to the cheap PBR cans and you cant go wrong.

[archon]

Originally Posted by Ramtuff

As a side note, what's inappropriate about carrying in a bar? Last I checked, bars aren't magical happy lands where there is no trouble or need to defend yourself.

Some people just think that bars are a bad place to carry because guns and alcohol usually don't mix well. That is why a lot of states ban carrying in bars.

Again, I really don't care either way. That is why I reserved comment on the question.

[archon]

Originally Posted by fonz

nothing really shady about south street, just a diverse crowd.

"Diverse crowd" - now that is an interesting and very PC way to describe the scene on South Street.

Anyway, I don't like South Street because mad mob scenes, gang bangers and college students dressed like hookers isn't my kind of crowd. But, to each his own...