Myrtle Beach Area Chamber Of Commerce: New Open Carry Law And What Businesses Need To Know

Press release from Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce:

August 16, 2021

The state’s new Open Carry With Training Act went into effect on Aug. 15, 2021, after being signed into law by Gov. Henry McMaster on May 17. The new law allows concealed weapons permit (CWP) holders to openly carry their concealable weapon on them or in their vehicle.

The full text of the law can be read here.

Aug. 17 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Myrtle Beach Area Chamber, 1200 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach. This event also will be livestreamed on MBACC’s Facebook page. City of Myrtle Beach Captain Joey Crosby will be reviewing the changes and what this means for your business. The session will include what updated signage is needed for your business as well as an open Q&A. Register here

The new bill also allows businesses and private property owners to prohibit the carrying of concealable weapons onto their premises or property, whether that be a building, machinery or a vehicle. Violators can be charged.

Business owners can forbid concealable weapons on their premises by posting the state-regulated sign that states, “NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED.” While these signs technically mean that “openly carried” weapons are also not allowed, the general population may not know or understand that the phrase “No Concealable Weapons” also includes openly carried weapons. To remedy this, business owners can add the phrase “No Openly Carried Weapons” as well.

The state has requirements for these signs and if a business posts a sign that does not meet the criteria, anyone who brings a weapon into the building could theoretically do so without fear of legal ramifications.

This press release was produced by Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.