Jan. 1, 2016 Marks the Beginning of Open Carry

Beginning tomorrow, citizens who possess a current and valid concealed handgun license, or a new handgun license, will be allowed to open carry handguns, said Sgt. Cade Solsbery, public information officer for the San Angelo Police Department.

Solsbery stated that in addition to having a valid license to carry a handgun, the license holder must carry the handgun in a belt holster or shoulder holster. Holders must also be able to present their valid license to a Peace Officer upon request.

Some of the locations where handguns are not permitted to be carried are physical premises of a school or school function, school transportation, the secure area of an airport, polling locations on an election day or during early voting, premises of courts or court offices, correctional facilities, hospitals or nursing homes, on the premises of a business where 51 percent or more of its income is derived from the sale or service of alcohol, or at government meetings when it’s posted that the carrying of handguns or firearms is prohibited, noted Solsbery.

In addition to these locations, individual business and property owners can prohibit the carrying of concealed handguns, the carrying of open handguns, or both. Business and property owners can post the notice at the entrance to the premises or give verbal notice. Also, a license holder cannot carry a handgun openly or concealed if they are intoxicated.

SAPD asks citizens to exercise their rights to carry open and concealed handguns responsibly. License holders should ensure they are familiar with sections 30.06, 30.07, 46.03 and 46.035 of the Texas Penal Code to ensure compliance with the law and a full listing of where the open carrying or concealed carrying is prohibited as only a few are listed in this statement by SAPD.

SAPD officials also ask citizens not to interfere with the rights of those who carry handguns openly or concealed, but if they do see something suspicious or reckless, call 911.