Now
Overcast
75.0°
High
87°
Low
68°
Full Forecast

Coupon

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > Top Story
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Bizzes weigh options

Comments 27 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 06:24:39 pm CDT

The Lincoln City Council's decision to drop a proposed ban against people carrying concealed handguns in the city  now leaves the weapon decision up to individual business owners.

BY NANCY HICKS | Lincoln Journal Star

Brian Kitten,  co-owner of Brewsky's, doesn’t think alcohol and guns mix -- so he’ll be putting up signs that say concealed weapons aren't allowed in his establishments when the state’s new conceal-carry law goes into effect next year.

Story Photo
The entryway to Lincoln Brewsky's -- like the one at 70th and Van Dorn -- may soon have "No Firearms Allowed" signs posted. (LJS File)

Related Link(s):


7.24.06:Council rejects gun ban

“As far as a business with alcohol, it just doesn't make sense to allow guns,”  said Kitten, who added he doesn’t want to deal with an upset customer and wonder if he is carrying a gun.

The City Council's decision on Monday to drop a proposed ban against carrying concealed handguns in the city now leaves the decision up to individual business owners.

The new state law allowing concealed weapons, which goes into effect Jan. 1, allows property owners to ban concealed handguns from their property. But owners must post a “conspicuous sign” letting the public know the rule. 

There’s likely to be “No Gun” signs at Pershing Auditorium and at Lancaster Manor -- in fact, at every county and city building in Lincoln. 

The city law office has already drafted a city ordinance that will ban all weapons at all buildings owned or leased by the city or county.

The new state law prohibits guns in some specific public buildings, including any building with a court and at any City Council or county board meeting.  

However, that doesn’t cover most government-owned buildings, including the city and county offices in the building next to the courts.

The proposed city ordinance would ban weapons from all local government  buildings, City Attorney Dana Roper said. The ordinance would ban all weapons, including knives with blades longer than 3 1/2 inches -- whether they are concealed or not.

The ordinance would also provide for a criminal penalty of up to a $500 fine or six months in jail.

The County-City Building Commission recommended banning weapons in the buildings, Roper said. 

Most businesses, meanwhile, probably have not thought about what they want to do, said Wendy Birdsall, interim president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. 

Dale Nordyke, owner of The Mill coffee shop at Eighth and P streets, said he disagreed with the council decision. But he probably won’t be posting “No Weapons” signs at The Mill. Nordyke doesn’t think he will have many customers carrying a concealed gun.   

He does find it ironic, though, that the City Council would allow people to carry concealed weapons in Lincoln, then consider banning weapons from government-owned buildings.

“They want to protect themselves, but not anyone else,” he said. 

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.

Options

A business owner can disallow concealed handguns from the business by posting signs. The proposed rules, developed by the Nebraska State Patrol, suggest that this sign contain a four-inch circle with a slash over a handgun and test saying that carrying a concealed handgun anywhere on the premises is prohibited.  

An employer may also prohibit employees or anyone from carrying concealed handguns in business-owned vehicles.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Top Story > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
guns wrote on July 25, 2006 4:12 pm:
" I think people need to remember not everyone who had a gun is dangerous, what about people who NEED protection? I think a ban is a ridiculous idea. "
CS wrote on July 25, 2006 4:24 pm:
" I think a knfe with a 3.5 inch blade or larger being considered a weapons offense is absurd. If thats that case then I break the law every day when I drive my car. Half the tools I carry are weapons, even by THAT definition., along with the silverware I bring to work. "
Lincoln Citizen wrote on July 25, 2006 4:31 pm:
" “They want to protect themselves, but not anyone else,” I agree with Mr.Dale Nordyke 100%. This does not make any sense. "
Concerned Citizen wrote on July 25, 2006 4:35 pm:
" I to don't think everyone who has a gun is dangerous. Think about it, someone who feels they need protection, is on a dark street and thinks is someone who is going to attack them so they pull their gun and kill them, and it wasn't anyone who was threatening. No the person with the gun is up for murder. Don't think this won't happen. What is the person's defense, it was a mistake!!!! To late! If you are going to carry a gun why conceal it? "
J wrote on July 25, 2006 4:41 pm:
" Only six more states that totally ban concealed weapons. I just don't understand why they don't see the light. I mean, just say they're names and shudders run down my spine. Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, New Mexico, Missouri and Illinois. Perhaps the most dangerous places in the country, if only they had concealed weapons. "
Stan wrote on July 25, 2006 4:51 pm:
" People who want to carry guns are not interested in self defense.(Defense against what?) They have a fantasy about comming across a bad situation, pulling their hidden weapon and saving the day. This is not the way it ends up working. If guns are such a good thing to have, they should be allowed everywhere, including the city council chambers and the state legislature, they should have to deal with this mess like the rest of us. "
Andrew wrote on July 25, 2006 5:20 pm:
" Granted, I know that for me owning a firearm would not make me safer cause I have no idea how to use one. So my oppsition to this is somewhat selfish, but from a more statistical prespective: More guns = More gun deaths. Arming our citizens is stupid and the most basic level. And besides.... all the no gun signs in shop windows are going to look real nice to vistors of our city. "
Biz-zar wrote on July 25, 2006 5:23 pm:
" Forty-four states have allowed concealed carry permits. I have yet to see any reports of the horrors people throw out during this discussion. I have seen reports of skyrocketing murders in places that ban guns all together, such as D.C. - The "guns-scare-me" crowd does not argue from a reality position. I could see the merits of bars prohibiting weapons, but there again, the ones who are most likely to shoot someone in a bar are already carrying weapons. "
I agree wrote on July 25, 2006 5:58 pm:
" Concealed guns should be allowed everywhere. Why make certain places "off limits." Oh, and the businesses that post the "no guns" signs - well, they will lose some money from those of us who are willing to pay the money and such to get a permit. "
Nash wrote on July 25, 2006 5:59 pm:
" This article failed to mention that a permitholder may not legally carry a concealed firearm into any business which derives over half of its income from the sale of alcohol. It is also illegal for a permitholder to carry a concealed firearm if he/she has consumed any alcohol or if any alcohol is remaining in such person's blood, urine or breath. "
evp wrote on July 25, 2006 6:02 pm:
" This will be a great indicator of where I intend to bring my business to - where I am welcome! Ban me, a law abiding citizen who does no wrong and will do not wrong, and you've lost my business. You will never know if I am carrying or not. Chances are (since I carry all the time right now but intend to get a permit now that I can) that I have already been in your place of business before now - but no more.. "
Lisa wrote on July 25, 2006 6:12 pm:
" Who in the world is so threatened in Lincoln, Nebraska that they feel the need to carry a concealed gun with them everywhere they go? "
Hans Madsen wrote on July 25, 2006 6:21 pm:
" I've lived in two states with laws that allow concealed carry on a permit, Iowa and Minnesota. In Minnesota, the law allows for business' posting "No Gun" signs, with the law spelling out very specifically how they are to be worded, font size, location etc. After several years of that states concealed carry law (it was passed in 2003), a great number of the business' that posted such signs have taken them down once they realized that armed permit holders (if they were even aware of them in their establishments), were not going to shoot the place up. Under that state's law, municpalities and county governments were not allowed to ban weapons. In any event, after 3 plus years of the law, people seem to have realized that the sky didn't fall. Under Iowa's law, where I now reside, there is no provision in the law to allow such signs to have any force of law (a few places post them to demonstrate their political position anyway). Iowa does have a specific list of places you may not carry into, schools, parks, court houses etc. In any event, this is something that each business really does have the right to decide for themselves, it is after all, private property. Conversely each permit holder has the right to decide to spend his/her money somewhere else. I used to give the manager of such business' a card that basically said, no guns=no money with a simple explanation of the law on the reverse. I would predict that Nebraska will see a great many of these "No Gun" signs initially, and that after some adjustment time, they will decrease in number when, like in other states, the sky doesn't fall. In answer to J's statement, he is only right on two of the states, Wisconsin and Illinois, the rest of the listed states have carry permit system either passed, or in place. Even such anti-gun states as New York, New Jersey and Massachusett issue carry permits on an limited basis if you're wealthy enough, famous enough or just well connected. Nebraska's citizens are not idiots, there is no reason to believe that future permit holders are going to behave any worse or better than permit holders in other states. This is nonsense and insulting to the people who wish to exercise what is, like it or not, a right explicitly given in the U.S. Constitution. "
ben wrote on July 25, 2006 6:47 pm:
" So I can go to the bar and not worry about second hand smoke killing me, but from some punk with a gun. Good job. "
garrison wrote on July 25, 2006 7:05 pm:
" Stan, I'll answer your question, "defense against what?" My neighbor, a widow in her 80s, confided that for many, many years she had carried a small handgun for protection from the large neighborhood dogs. Since she owned no car, she walked everywhere she went, secretly carrying that handgun and hurting no one. After attending an evening meeting held at a nearby school, she was approached by a man who asked to use her phone. He accompanied her to her door. Once it was opened he pushed her to the floor, driving his full body weight down on top of her and shattering her pelvis. He then spent several hours brutally raping and beating her...repeatedly. He snacked on food from her kitchen, and used her bathroom before brutalizing her some more. With her pelvis broken, she was unable to move and in agonizing pain. Her phone was out of reach, and that small gun she often carried was locked in a hutch. She didn't carry it that night, since guns are banned in school buildings. The rapist merely walked away. She lay there in horrible pain, for hours, until someone showed up to look for her. -- I am a permit holder and have been for many years. My permit is not good in Nebraska, but it is good for several bordering states, and I do legally carry a firearm there when I travel. I have no fantasies of "saving the day". I regard the firearm much the same as a fire extinguisher; a tool to be used only in the worst possible of circumstances. I am in no way anxious to encounter those types of circumstances, but neither am I oblivious to their existance as so many are. To me the issue is about self defense, and I feel that people who do not plan to protect their loved ones, have only planned to fail them. I can only agree with one statement you have made. Since guns are a good thing to have, they should be allowed everywhere. "
Kenneth H. Zike wrote on July 25, 2006 8:13 pm:
" I for one will not patronize any establishment in the City of Lincoln that post "No Concealed Weapons Signs" Let the business community know they can and will be shunned if they put up signs prohibiting the carrying of conceal weapons in their establishments. This just another recommendatin made to discourage the lawful carrying of a concealed weapon in Lincoln. The majority of citizens who pay your salaries via taxes have spoken. The out laws have been and will continue to carry unregisteredoncealed weapons. The responsible citizen who obtains a permit shoud be give the same consideration as law enforcement officer. My questioned which has never been answered by any of the anti gun crowd. If a pistol is not the best tool for self defense, than why do all law enforcement officers carry one ??? "
Taking My Business Elsewhere wrote on July 25, 2006 8:13 pm:
" I love the idea of giving out a business card explaining why I am taking my business someplace else when I see these signs. Even if I don't get a permit, I will make sure they know why I am going to trade with a merchant who respects me. I guarantee it will not be a permit holder that comes in with a concealed gun and rips you off. Your sign will only alienate those of us who obey the law and realize that we are not welcome or trusted by you anymore. A "No Guns" sign will mean you don't need my business, and I know a lot of folks who believe the same way I do. "
JS wrote on July 25, 2006 9:49 pm:
" Lisa, you ask, "Who in the world is so threatened in Lincoln, Nebraska that they feel the need to carry a concealed gun with them everywhere they go?" Maybe you don't remember a former football player named Scott Baldwin, who beat a woman and a male friend to a bloody pulp not far from downtown. Maybe you don't remember Greg Gabel, and the murder of Tina McMenamin. I see Gabel riding his bike around town all the time, and he is one person the LPD has standing orders to stop and question every time they see him. Maybe you don't remember hearing about people being assaulted while jogging on Lincoln's bike paths. You must think Lincoln is some quiet, little prairie town that won't ever have any problems. I hate to say it, but there are people running this city (Mayor Seng and Casady) who wish Lincoln would remain a small town, and not grow up to be an "Omaha" that has violence and gang problems. For you to think that a major crime spree will never happen here in Lincoln is wrong. The town of Norfolk had a bank robbery and lost five bank employees; the town of Kimball had a shooting at the courthouse years ago; the town of Cozad was rocked when a gas station employee was murdered; the town of Elmwood recently had a double murder. Lincoln is not so far removed that it can't happen here. I personally do not feel threatened in Lincoln. However, I know what evil looks like, and there is evil in Lincoln. And I want to be prepared if I ever have to face evil. "
Chip wrote on July 25, 2006 10:05 pm:
" I can only think of one thing to say to the city council about this concealed weapon law: "What the heck are you people thinking?" How can this possibly be a good idea????? Let me ask it again, "HOW CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE A GOOD IDEA????" Have we completely lost our minds? It may be a right to keep and bear arms, but, "DUH!!!! HELLOOOOOOOO??? EARTH TO MARS!!!!!" Where has our common sense gone. This city council is filled with a bunch of out of touch morons. If you are carrying a concealed weapon, my questions to you are why and what are going to do with it? If you're a responsible gun owner, why would you need to carry a "concealed" weapon? So you can sneak up on the deer easier???? Why would you need to walk in downtown Lincoln packing heat????? Is it because it is your right??? Will you actually use the weapon???? I'm about ready stay inside. Can't wait for the first news report of some red neck "Marlboro Man" taking out some drunk college kid who he perceives might be a threat due to the fact that they do not share the same skin color. There are dumb laws on the books, but this has got to rank right near the top. Again I ask the city council, "WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE THINKING?" "
Gary B wrote on July 25, 2006 10:08 pm:
" ben, actually no, because the people obtaining concealed carry permits will not be punks hellbent on destruction, but law-abiding citizens...so you'll be fine. "
Steve wrote on July 25, 2006 10:10 pm:
" I don't understand how so many of you, such as Lisa, wonder why some people would choose to carry a firearm (concealed or not) in good old Lincoln, Nebraska. You must read the paper, or you probably wouldn't be writing comments to the articles. I can't believe you missed the nearly daily stories of those who have been robbed, burglarized, assaulted, raped, shot at, stabbed, etc. Sure, it's not Chicago, New York, Detroit, or Miami, but hardly a day goes by that someone in our friendly, safe, small town isn't the victim of one of these crimes. Concealed weapons, or not, I won't be one of those who is caught defenseless against these animals. I feel an obligation to protect myself, my family, or any other innocent citizens. I don't expect everyone to have the courage to do the right thing, but I also don't expect them to prevent me from it. As for businesses, I agree it is their right to decide if they want firearms brought onto their property. It seems illogical to me to ban concealed weapons in an establishment unless all weapons are banned. The little old lady carrying a small handgun in her purse isn't going to bother any of the other customers. On the other hand, if I walk in with my Smith & Wesson 50 caliber strapped to my hip, I would imagine a lot of customers would be uncomfortable to say the least. "
Sheeez wrote on July 25, 2006 10:18 pm:
" Oh my! Several have already mentioned the book about "Chicken Little" who thought the sky was falling, so I won't go in that direction. The right to carry a weapon is a right given to every American in our great Constitution. It never ceases to be amazing how we like the Consitution or how we hate the Constitution based on "what I like." I don't know if there is a study to support my belief....there probably is....but if you are going to get "shot" in any bar, cafe, or any other business, it won't be from a person who is legally carring the weapon. If someone wants to shoot, they will shoot you and they don't need permission. I have NEVER owned a hand gun and HAVE NO intention of buying one or using one. It is just good to see that people are now able to carry a weapon legally if they so desire. PS I sure hope we have someone(s) run against our current mayor. She must go!! "
MY wrote on July 25, 2006 10:41 pm:
" What about a pharmacist (friend) who always had a gun in his store at his finger tips, was an excellant gunman, and a non shalant character came in the store and pulled out his gun and shot him. My friend is dead. Ya all think your faster on the trigger?? Surprise. "
William wrote on July 25, 2006 11:12 pm:
" Wow. Lincoln has a lot of people who want to carry guns. Scary. It's not surprising. Probably most of the same people who feel that supporting the war is putting a magnet on your car. Who are against gay marriage. People who feel threatened all the time because they are angry. I'm glad you won't be coming into the businesses that I do. "
you are serious? wrote on July 25, 2006 11:16 pm:
" I just moved to Canada. The city I live in has 10 times the number of people as Lincoln, with a similar number of crimes. No guns are allowed in Canada...people are more peaceful without them. Good luck in the wild west, barbarians. "
Rusty Shackleford wrote on July 25, 2006 11:27 pm:
" This is such a prime example of why newspapers, which have historically been the 'voice of the people' no longer have any credibility. It's bad enough when quotes are printed by people who (presumeably) are so misinformed. It should at least be followed up somehow with the true facts (a permitholder may not legally carry a concealed firearm into any business which derives over half of its income from the sale of alcohol.) How can we continue to have ANY faith in the Journal-Star when such deviance from facts are so blatantly disregarded? "
JBD wrote on July 25, 2006 11:36 pm:
" The funny thing is that the city does not have the Constitutional or statatory power to enact such a ban. It will be challenged in court and beaten at the expense of tens of thousands of dollars the city already doesn't have. Any City Council person that votes for this will be violating their oath of office. "

Ads by Yahoo!