locke_n_load
Well-Known
Letter I wrote to Walmart via their website:
I was recently shopping at Walmart, located at 12312 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX. My father and I were legally open carrying our handguns per state law in your store. A store manager came up to us and told us that since they sold alcohol in the store, that we had to cover up and conceal our handguns and conceal them per TABC code. He told us that he had a memo describing this and that a TABC officer had informed him. I explained that the information he was given was incorrect, that Walmart cannot knowingly allow the unlicensed possession of a firearm on the premise due to alcohol sales, however, there is nothing in the TABC or Texas Penal code that states that open carry is prohibited by license holders at locations that sell alcohol for off-premise consumption. This information is also reiterated by the blue signs on the front of this store and other grocery stores that sell alcohol that state: "The unlicensed possession of a weapon on these premises is a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $10,000." He then stated that he had to go by his memo and the TABC officer's statement and asked us to conceal our handguns. We obliged him since we were ready to check out. This was the first time I had ever had a problem with the carry of my handgun at a Walmart, and I have carried at many different Walmarts in my area. I would just like to say that until this problem/misinformation is corrected, I, and my family (immediate and extended), will not shopping at Walmart. Thank you.