SXSW Austin Convention Center

[CoffeeNut]

I'm headed to an SXSW event on Friday and am curious to know if I can carry my firearm in the convention center? I plan to bring a locking case just in case but since the parking situation is unknown I'd hate to have to walk forever only to have to turn around for a quick trip back to the car. I've checked Texas3006 and haven't seen anything listed but hopefully some of you fine folks can help me out.

[Kythas]

I think the convention center is city owned, so 30.06 would be invalid. It's not a professional sporting event. As long as there is no courthouse there and it's not the premises of a school, you should be good.

[Rrash]

As far as I know, it is public property. I am not sure if they have tried to post 30.06 or not, but I wouldn't put it past them.
http://www.tasa.tasb.org/exhibitors/doc ... policy.pdf
If you scroll down to page 6, they make it clear they don't want anyone carrying. I would get some sort of proof it is city owned before carrying in there. Have fun at SXSW!

[recaffeination]

County tax records should show the owner.

[CoffeeNut]

County tax records should show the owner.

Tried that but the stupid website won't load any data for me. I shouldn't be surprised since it's on a government server.

[CoffeeNut]

As far as I know, it is public property. I am not sure if they have tried to post 30.06 or not, but I wouldn't put it past them.
http://www.tasa.tasb.org/exhibitors/doc ... policy.pdf
If you scroll down to page 6, they make it clear they don't want anyone carrying. I would get some sort of proof it is city owned before carrying in there. Have fun at SXSW!

Thanks for that information. It is pretty clear that they don't want CC but there was nothing in that about 30.06 and that trumps the little statutes that they listed in there if I remember my CHL class and info on this website correctly. I'll find out one way or another tomorrow.

[FormerTSgt]

As far as I know, it is public property. I am not sure if they have tried to post 30.06 or not, but I wouldn't put it past them.
http://www.tasa.tasb.org/exhibitors/doc ... policy.pdf
If you scroll down to page 6, they make it clear they don't want anyone carrying. I would get some sort of proof it is city owned before carrying in there. Have fun at SXSW!

Thanks for that information. It is pretty clear that they don't want CC but there was nothing in that about 30.06 and that trumps the little statutes that they listed in there if I remember my CHL class and info on this website correctly. I'll find out one way or another tomorrow.

Let us know what you find out. I'd be interested in knowing as well.

[TDDude]

It's city owned so you're good at the convention center. The problem you're going to have is that a lot of the individual music shows are in bars.

BUT make no mistake, downtown Austin at night is a dangerous place.

Do what you will.

[FormerTSgt]

I go downtown at night all the time and have never had a problem yet.

[Westwood]

Saw this on the convention center door this morning, im not an expert on what is a legal sign:
http://s24.postimage.org/lafx1ydud/image.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I haven't seen any other signs or metal detectors anywhere.

[gthaustex]

If that sign was posted on the door, it appears to be a valid 30.06 sign. Even if the letters aren't the exact right size (hard to tell), or if it isn't super contrasting (hard to read with glare), I think the intent is pretty clear. One can argue about the legality of govt owned properties being posted 30.06 (which they shouldn't be). That said, if caught, I imagine that you would take a ride. It would depend on the agency and the prosecuting office. Since that is Travis County, I would think they would see if they could make a charge stick (trespass by a CHL holder). Most of the hospitals in the Austin area are posted with the same white letters on clear glass as 30.06 as well....

[MeMelYup]

This is what the ACC online flier states: http://www.tasa.tasb.org/exhibitors/doc ... pdf#page20" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Section 4: Emergency and Public Safety
The ACC, as a City facility,
Section 11: Firearms/Weapons
A. City Code - Per section § 9-6-2 of the City Code FIREARMS ARE PROHIBITED ON CITY PREMISES
Except as provided in Sections 9-6-4 (Exception for Peace or Security Officers, or Retired Officers), 9-6-5 (Exception for Gun Shows/Display), and 9-6-6 (Exception for Shipping at Airport), a person may not enter or remain on City premises if the person is carrying a concealed or unconcealed firearm.
(Exception 9-6-2 requires prior City Manager Approval – No Exceptions)
Source: 1992 Code Section 10-9-2(A); Ord. 031023-13; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 05030317.
Definitions:
Firearm means: (a) gun, pistol, rifle, or device designed, made, adapted, or readily convertible to use explosive energy
generated by an explosion or burning substance to expel a projectile through a barrel; or (b) An air gun.
Demo/Simulated Firearm means: Simulated rifle, shotgun, pistol or revolver that has been manufactured to resemble actual firearms modified by the manufacturer to be incapable of firing or discharge.
Dangerous Weapon means: Gas, liquid, solid, edged weapons, or instrumentality, which, in the manner used, is calcu- lated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm or injury.
Illegal knife means: (a) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches; (b) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown; (c) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard; (d) bowie knife; (e) sword; or (f) spear.
B. Event Requests - All Event requests to possess, show or display any firearms, ammunition, simulated firearms, simulated ammunition or dangerous weapons on ACC premises must be made in writing to the ACC ninety (90) days prior to the first contracted date. The request must include the following information:
a. Person making the request, including contact information.
b. Any organization, public or private, represented.
c. Type and number of firearms, ammunition or weapons to be displayed.
d. Purpose or intent of the possession, show or display.
e. Any additional background requested by the ACC Security and Safety Division.
f. Any supporting material for consideration.
The ACC Chief of Security and Safety will ensure each request is reviewed and approved by the ACC Director or City Manager as deemed appropriate.
If approved, the requestor will be notified of such and a pre-event meeting may be scheduled with the ACC Security and Safety Division’s Health and Safety Specialist.

I don't know the date but it is the one on line.

[CoffeeNut]

Well the Palmer Convention Center in Austin is posted with a valid and obvious sign and thats where the event was that I attended. I thought it was the ACC but apparently my eyes failed me when reading about the event. I asked a deputy who was directing traffic about the Austin Convention Center and he said he thought it was a no go but didn't have a solid answer and I didnt push further.

[bikerbill]

I was at an RV show there two weeks ago, there are no 30.06 signs, I carried with no concerns ... strangely, we passed a Starbucks in a nearby hotel and it had a 30.06 sign. Thought Starbucks position was they obey local laws on concealed carry .. it's the only one I've seen in a Starbucks and it may have been the hotel's position, just seemed strange ...

[Scott Farkus]

I was at an RV show there two weeks ago, there are no 30.06 signs, I carried with no concerns ... strangely, we passed a Starbucks in a nearby hotel and it had a 30.06 sign. Thought Starbucks position was they obey local laws on concealed carry .. it's the only one I've seen in a Starbucks and it may have been the hotel's position, just seemed strange ...

Yes, I thought the same about Starbucks and have intentionally chosen to buy coffee from them over nearby competitors a number of times, for that reason. I don't know about this particular sign but I wonder if the owner of the property (probably the hotel) required it of their lessees.

The fact that the City of Austin continues to flaunt that blatantly invalid code section chaps me to no end. After open and campus carry, the highest CHL related priority of this Legislature needs to be to put some penalties into place on cities who pull this crap.