Westlake Chamber of Commerce hosted a community forum Dec. 9 regarding the state's open carry law that goes into effect Jan. 1. West Lake Hills Police Chief Scott Gerdes led the forum, which educated business owners on their rights and what to expect when the new open carry law is enforceable.
House Bill No. 910 legalized the open carry of handguns in Texas in all public locations with few exceptions, Gerdes said.
"Individuals who hold a valid concealed handgun license may carry openly or concealed with an existing valid license," Gerdes said. "A separate license will not be required to open carry and will not require an additional fee."
Gerdes said unconcealed handguns must be carried in a shoulder or belt holster. He said there are no specifications as to the type of holster at this time.
While the new law requires license holders to display their handgun license if requested by law enforcement, there is no penalty if an individual refuses to show a license, Gerdes said.
Chief Scott Gerdes displays versions of concealed carry and open carry prohibitive signs with condensed spacing, valid Jan. 1.[/caption]
"If [a gun-carrying individual] starts displaying their gun in a way calculated to alarm, that's when it becomes criminal activity," Gerdes said.
Beginning Jan. 1, there are new sign requirements for businesses that wish to prohibit concealed or open carry in their establishments, Gerdes said. In addition to updated wording, the text and background on the signs are required to be contrasting colors and the letters must be one inch tall, he said. The signs must be in English and Spanish and posted at every pubic entrance to the establishment, he said.
Alternatively, business owners may verbally inform gun-carrying customers there is a prohibition for carrying guns concealed or open. Business owners may also provide the customer with a card stating the prohibition of concealed or open carry in the establishment, Gerdes said.
"I am trying to get this information out there so it's not a big problem in Westlake," Gerdes said. "This is something that affects us all. [Law enforcement is] having to revamp how we do things so that we have a unified response. We need to protect the rights of open carry holders, and we also need to protect the rights of other citizens."
Gerdes said some residents and business owners may be unaware of the changes beginning Jan. 1, which may cause a shock when they see people open carry.
"I think initially there may be some fear-based reactions," Westlake business owner Laura Hansen said. "We will need to be watchful and more on our guard, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Chief Scott Gerdes displays versions of concealed carry and open carry prohibitive signs with condensed spacing, valid Jan. 1.[/caption]
"If [a gun-carrying individual] starts displaying their gun in a way calculated to alarm, that's when it becomes criminal activity," Gerdes said.
Beginning Jan. 1, there are new sign requirements for businesses that wish to prohibit concealed or open carry in their establishments, Gerdes said. In addition to updated wording, the text and background on the signs are required to be contrasting colors and the letters must be one inch tall, he said. The signs must be in English and Spanish and posted at every pubic entrance to the establishment, he said.
Alternatively, business owners may verbally inform gun-carrying customers there is a prohibition for carrying guns concealed or open. Business owners may also provide the customer with a card stating the prohibition of concealed or open carry in the establishment, Gerdes said.
"I am trying to get this information out there so it's not a big problem in Westlake," Gerdes said. "This is something that affects us all. [Law enforcement is] having to revamp how we do things so that we have a unified response. We need to protect the rights of open carry holders, and we also need to protect the rights of other citizens."
Gerdes said some residents and business owners may be unaware of the changes beginning Jan. 1, which may cause a shock when they see people open carry.
"I think initially there may be some fear-based reactions," Westlake business owner Laura Hansen said. "We will need to be watchful and more on our guard, which isn't necessarily a bad thing."
