Alcohol and Guns

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. Nothing in this content constitutes legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice on this matter, retain a licensed, competent attorney in your relevant jurisdiction.

From time to time, I am asked two questions regarding alcohol and guns.

“In Pennsylvania, can I carry concealed into a bar or other establishment which serves alcohol?”

My answer is: “Let’s meet at the bar. You buy the drinks. I’ll bring my gun. And we’ll discuss it.” Pennsylvania has no law against it. So yes, you can carry concealed into an establishment which serves alcohol.

“Can I drink alcohol while carrying concealed?”

You can, but I would recommend against it. When you are carrying concealed, any incident in which you need to use your firearm in self-defense will be scrutinized heavily by the justice system. If the incident happened in or near a bar, expect law enforcement to conduct a breathalyzer test on you. As CCW permit holders, we are viewed by the courts to have a “higher burden of care”. What this means is that if we are carrying concealed, we need to be more vigilant in and with our actions and how we handle ourselves in public. We are viewed as to get the proper training with our gun, have the proper skills with our gun, and know the proper gun laws. So, as a practical matter, if I am carrying concealed, I would not drink any alcohol.