MI Pistol Free Area question

[jefnvk]

Is there any further definition of what constitutes a sports arena or stadium other than those four words? The place in question is a bowling alley. Would something like a public ball field or hockey rink for pick-up games be included, or is this more geared towards places where you are paying to watch a sport?

 

[Fisherman_48768]

Seating capacity of 2500
You can look it up here: [URL="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/firearms.pdf"[/URL]

 

[jefnvk]

There are two seperate listings. One is for an entertainment facility that holds more than 2500, and a seperate off limit place simply reads 'A sports arena or stadium' (that is actually what the law reads).

28.425o(c) is the sports arena one, while 28.425o(f) is the entertainment facility over 2500

 

[Fisherman_48768]

There is your answer.

 

[jefnvk]

So sports arena or stadium, would include anywhere where sports are played? Any sport, regardless of level of play?

 

[GigaBuist]

The legislative body writes vague laws frequently. It is up to the courts to determine the exact meaning along with their validity.

You'd have to find a case where somebody deployed (or was otherwise found with) a firearm, and a CCW, in a bowling alley, without violating any other laws to see what the courts say. I presume that hasn't ever happened here in Michigan.

I guess you could write the AG's office for an opinion, but I have no idea if you'd ever get a response.

 

[bsf]

I have been down this road before. After doing some initial research, I contacted the MSP and talked to their Firearms Records Unit. People are generally directed to that unit when calling w/ questions concerning weapons. The individual I talked to at that unit indicated that I would need to talk to the prosecutor’s office for the county in which the establishment in question was located. Unfortunately, the county prosecutor’s office refused to help me. :banghead: At that point, I anointed myself Supreme Commander and issue a proclamation outlining the new rules for my kingdom.

This is no attempt to disparage the MSP Firearms Records Unit. I have always found the people of that unit to be extremely courteous, professional, and helpful. When I contacted them with a question as to whether Building X was a “gun-free” zone as specified by the law, the changes to law concerning CPL’s were quite fresh. They may be able to be more helpful now.

 

[30 cal slob]

these laws irk me to no end.

every time i go back to MI ... i gotta do silly things like call up the movie theater and ask what their seating capacity is.

i understand these "off-limits" places (for MI) have been around forever...maybe it's time to change them.

i hate to throw a wrench into the works, but does the bowling alley in question serve liquor?

 

[bsf]

i hate to throw a wrench into the works, but does the bowling alley in question serve liquor?

Probably does not matter. I say "probably" because what really matters is whether the cop(s) on patrol will leave you alone or not.

 

[Diverdave]

"i hate to throw a wrench into the works, but does the bowling alley in question serve liquor?"

The important question here is: Does more than 51% of sales come from alchohol. If it does then the place is off limits in that regard.

 

[jefnvk]

Yep, thought that one through too, but seeing how much food and families was there being served, I find it hard to believe alcohol makes p the majority of their sales. Don't find it hard to believe for some time periods it could, but overall, I dont see it happening.

Then again, all the restaurants up here go through a lot of alcohol, if I were worried at the bowlign alley, I'd be worried at Applebees and the steakhouse as well.