Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

Firearms in Bars

It is my understanding that firearms are not allowed within establishments which serve alcohol. However...

My question is this. Is an ''Armed'' Security Officer, contracted through his company, to work at such an establishment, Exempt?

On duty Police Officers are exempt to the best of my knowledge; and armed security officers on contracted property have ''powers and authority'' similar too Police Officers, but only within the contracted property.


Asked on 6/14/08, 10:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Firearms in Bars

There is no such general prohibition regarding the possession of firearms in establishments which serve alcohol of which I am aware. Va. Code Sec. 18.2-308J(3) does prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons within such establishments with certain exceptions which include bonified(sworn)law enforcement officers as well as owners and their employees. It says nothing, however, about an "Armed Security Officer, contracted through his company, to work at such an establishment", as being exempt from the prohibition.

There are restaurants, however, which have signs posted to exclude all patrons with firearms of any kind, whether concealed or not, irrespective of their particular status and whether they have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon.

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Answered on 6/15/08, 10:17 am


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