Open Carry Scenario!

[Airbrush Artist]

In Ohio it is legal to open carry,This summer I will be managing gates for entrance to the Park and Concert venue where I'm a Staff manager. Lets say a Guy shows up with a cannon Hanging open on His hip and he is entering the venue and has a Ticket for the event upon entrance Our gates do a Guest search, Blankets ,purses bags,etc.We wristband each guest after a ID check for over and under on alcohol consumption for legal age limits.Now if the guy with the cannon on His hip chooses to Drink and is wrist banded as such do I have the authority per Ohio law that if You drink you cannot carry a weapon into the venue?even if it is legal to open carry.In Ohio You can carry in a Bar or where alchohl is served if You do not consume alcohol.I think the Conceal and carry scenario is a mute issue unless the guest wishes to share that information with me...Appreciate any input...as of the past 1,800 or so events I've managed it has never happen with a Open carry scenario,I believe with the influx of so many people getting C&C permits its bound to happen this summer...

 

[mljdeckard]

You're asking three different questions.

1. Are you required to allow entry into the venue if someone is open-carrying? In most states, this is up to the management of the venue. They can set policies for who they will and will not allow onto their property. If your management says they can't come in, they can't come in. You are acting as an agent of the property owner, you are implementing his wishes.

2. Are you allowed to drink while open-carrying? This will also vary from state to state. Most states say no. Some states say you can carry as long as you are not intoxicated. (In Utah the standard is .08.)

3. Do you as a security guard at a private venue have arrest, search, and stop powers? Probably not. You can refuse entry and call the police if you think the law has been broken, observe and report.

I'm sure your boss has a thick, tattered binder of these policies, which he expects you to study during your down time. Also understand, it is not uncommon for private security employees to overstep the law, OR TELL THEIR SUBORDINATES TO DO SO. Be very careful if your boss is telling you to stop and detain people, "I was just doing what I was told" may not protect you from liability.

 

[Frank Ettin]

This is the sort of question the OP should be asking his boss.