NC:Questions about H937 Restaurant Carry

I received an email today asking some questions about H937 and its effect on the everyday lives of CHP holders in NC. Rather than answer him, and the next guy, and the next, I thought it would make a good subject for a post.

As a valid NC CCW holder, and someone who carries his handgun wherever possible, when will this bill become law now that it has passed both the house and senate? Also, even after reading it, I still have some questions that you may be able to answer:

does this make it legal for me to carry ANYWHERE alcohol is served, ie resturants and bars?

Since it states gatherings where admission is charged, does that cover movie theatres, regardless of the no handgun signs?

Does this also cover gatherings such as parades or festivals/fairs?

Let’s take them in order.

1. When will this bill become law – So long as the governor signs H937 it becomes law on Oct 1, 2013.
2. Does it make it legal to carry ANYWHERE alcohol is served, ie. restaurants and bars -  There are no “bars” in North Carolina. There are “Restaurants” and “Eating Establishments.” These places MAY have alcohol licenses. The difference between a Restaurant and an “Eating Establishment” is size. Restaurants have seating for 36 people. The short answer is Yes, you can, if you have a CHP. As always, these locations are private property and may post signs prohibiting firearms.
3. Gatherings where admission is charged – You may, under this law, carry in theaters (both live action and movie). Again, you have to have a CHP, and you are still prohibited from carrying if the owner posts a No Guns sign.
4. Does this cover gatherings such as parades or festivals/fairs – It was never illegal to carry in a festival or fair, only Parades, Funeral processions, and demonstrations. It will still be illegal to carry at a demonstration, but if you have a CHP it will no longer be illegal to carry at a parade or funeral procession.

There you go! If you have more questions for me, use the contact form above and I will answer to the best of my ability.
Here is a link to my post on H937 as passed by the NCGA and presented to the Governor.

Source: ncgunblog.com