Employers still able to ban guns in workplace

By Ken Alltucker, The Arizona Republic

Employers still will be allowed to ban firearms from the workplace despite the Legislature’s elimination of concealed-carry weapons permit requirements.

Gov. Jan Brewer last week signed a bill that will allow U.S. citizens 21 and older to carry concealed weapons without a permit. However, the new law will not trump employers’ policies that typically restrict guns or other weapons at work sites.

“Employers can stick to their guns,” said Neil Alexander, an attorney with the Phoenix employment and labor law firm Littler and a board member of the Arizona Society for Human Resource Management. “Even though the licensing has been revised, employers can still prohibit concealed weapons.”

Last summer, Brewer signed another bill that prevents private-property owners from banning firearms in parking areas as long as the weapons are stored in vehicles. That law prompted many employers across the state to rewrite workplace-violence policies to reflect the change, Alexander said.

Private businesses such as Phoenix-based commercial retailer Westcor don’t expect much impact from the state’s decision to loosen concealed-carry weapons permit requirements. The law goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Westcor bans guns at all of its Arizona properties, except for law enforcement and trained security personnel such as armored-car guards

It posts the “no-firearms” policy at its mall entrances and at anchor stores. Most customers abide by the requirement, but some must be reminded of the policy by Westcor security.

“When we come across somebody who has a firearm, we will approach that person and allow them to secure their firearm,” said William Harrell, Westcor’s assistant vice president for security and guest services. “We do that because there is no way for us to tell a responsible gun owner from an irresponsible gun owner.”

Most businesses prohibit employees from carrying guns at work. But some, such as the Scottsdale Gun Club, allow employees to openly carry firearms at work.

New Scottsdale Gun Club employees must pass a police certification that tests a student’s ability to handle and shoot a gun.

Darrell Whitmer, assistant operations manager of Scottsdale Gun Club, called the new legislation a “step for more freedom.”