Business Owner's Customer Protection Obligation

[majdad93]

Hi again Colt Fans,

Just wanted to share a couple of novel, common-sense insights with my fellow Colt owners. For anyone not familiar with Ohio Concealed Carry law, the State has provisions for a business to post "No Guns Allowed" signs so law-abiding citizens know they are entering a Victim Zone. Criminals, of course, are encouraged by such signage. Ohio gun owners are already familiar with all this nonsense.

That is not the common-sense part, however. I did find it curious that at PNC banks here in Ohio, there are no such signs. Recently, when I visited a local PNC branch I asked the manager about this. He said this was not an omission on the bank's part, but that PNC's position is that customers with a CCW permit who enter their banks are welcome. He explained that, although unwritten, PNC feels that a legally armed customer in their bank is as much a deterrent as an armed guard, or God forbid, the police who are minutes away when only seconds count. I found this very refreshing and down-to-earth. Hopefully armed criminals consider PNC's position when they ponder mischief and take their "business" down the road to a bank that does not welcome a legally-armed clientele.

Also, last month my wife and I visited a prominent local jeweler whose family has been in business since the 1890s. This store also was without a "No Guns Allowed" sign on the front door. After a period of negotiations about a jewelry purchase, I inquired about this. The owner, a very friendly, affable and professional elderly third-generation business owner, turned serious. He informed me that first of all, he believed in the right and obligation of every lawful citizen to defend himself/herself, and also that store personnel were armed. Secondly, he told us that his own business insurance company advised him NOT to post a "No Guns Allowed" sign on the premises, stating that if he did post a sign, this would imply he assumes full responsibility for customer safey.

I thought this was a very refreshing and eductional business experience. Needless to say we left completely comforted and satisfied. Can anyone relate to this?

majdad93

[darrylta]

Did he help you out on the purchase, since one day you might just save his life?
-Darryl

[majdad93]

Well, Darrylta,

I'd have to say yes the jeweler did "help us out" pricewise, though the deal was sealed before this discussion began. A very congenial and genuine business arrangement followed by a sincere & heartfelt chat about American citizens' rights and responsibilities. I would defend him in an instant, just like I would a friend or family member.

majdad93