Open carry in a bar while drinking

**Will3212** · September 15th, 2015, 11:35 AM

So I was wondering what the laws are in terms of open carrying while you're at a bar drinking. I read in some states you're not allowed to carry in any establishment that serves alcohol, but what about PA? The reason I ask is because there is a bar/restaurant within walking distance from my house. I don't know their policy on firearms, but I want to open carry there while getting something to eat or grabbing a drink. I can't CC cause I don't have a LTCF being a part time resident.

**ungawa** · September 15th, 2015, 11:48 AM

There are no laws.

That being said, it's not a good idea for a few reasons. First, people at bars have beer muscles. The chances of someone wanting to show you who is boss are very high. Second, you can be set up. When somebody says, "That guy with the gun threatened to kill me" or "he has been pointing it around under the bar" and the police find you intoxicated, they are going with the liar, not with the "drunk" (you).

You'll notice I skipped the entire debate about carrying while drinking, because I know it is not a problem with me (although it very rarely comes up). But as far as OC is concerned, I might have one drink OCing in a restaurant but I would not OC in a bar. I think you are really asking for trouble.

**alpacaheat** · September 15th, 2015, 11:50 AM

I do not drink, but I'd conceal in any situation where other people are drinking. You can't trust THEIR impaired judgment.

**Will3212** · September 15th, 2015, 11:57 AM

I don't think it's a problem with me carrying drinking. I'm actually more responsible when I have a gun. I do agree with you though, I can definitely see someone trying to set you up, the cops coming and believing the liar.

**theunrulychef** · September 15th, 2015, 11:58 AM

Like it or not, if you're open carrying, you're representing gun owners in general. People seeing a guy drinking a beer in a bar with a pistol on his belt doesn't really help.