Local businesses prepare for new gun law

They’ll have to decide whether to prohibit weapons on premises

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Staff writer

Like it or hate it, life in the State of Wisconsin is set to change Nov. 1.

The state’s new concealed carry law will go into effect next Tuesday, and while the City of Burlington has gone out of its way to get out ahead of the new law, there’s no doubt there’s some trepidation – and anticipation.

A special seminar conducted by City of Burlington Police Chief Peter Nimmer was conducted last month, and Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce Director Jan Ludtke said it was well attended and drew interest beyond the meeting.

“People who had questions either attended the seminar or contacted Peter,” Ludtke explained. “We considered holding a second one, but there didn’t seem to be a strong enough interest.”

The city has already taken its own measures, banning weapons – concealed or otherwise – in city-owned buildings such as City Hall or Burlington Public Library.

But local business owners will have to decide for themselves whether or not to put up signs prohibiting people from bringing in weapons. Businesses can also choose to prohibit employees from carrying weapons, but won’t be able to control employees or customers keeping weapons in their respective vehicles.

Some of the highlights from Nimmer’s presentation, available at the city website at www.burlington-wi.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=50:

• While the law takes effect on Nov. 1, that is also the date when people can begin applying for a concealed carry license. Anyone who applies must be 21 years of age, not be prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law, not have a condition of bail or release to not have a dangerous weapon, be a Wisconsin resident and have proof of the firearms training required for the license. The license is good for five years, and the license fee cannot exceed $37, and a $13 background check fee.

• Among the training being accepted is the hunter safety program established by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, firearms safety courses, documentation that the individual completed military, law enforcement or security training or being a prior holder in another state (unless it was revoked for cause).

• The concealed carry law does not authorize anyone to carry a machine gun, silencer or destructive device or a short-barreled shotgun.

• The person carrying a concealed weapon must also carry their license and a photo ID.

• By law, concealed carry of a weapon is banned on school grounds or where signs are properly posted.

Of course, whether or not the law is a good thing depends on your point of view. Local business owner Fred Mabson, who owns Fred’s Parkview, doesn’t expect things to change much.

“In the 31 years I’ve been in business, I haven’t had anyone bring a gun in the bar yet – that I know of,” Mabson said. “If I was in business somewhere in downtown Milwaukee, I might have a different attitude.”

John Puntillo, owner of John’s Main Event, looks at things a little differently. He will be posting signs at his bar/restaurant, and people are prohibited from carrying a firearm while intoxicated.

“That’s insane. They’re out of their minds,” Puntillo said of the state lawmakers. “Nothing good usually happens when people have guns.

“Instead of getting into fights, they shoot each other.”