RESTRICTIONS BY BUSINESSES AND PROPERTY OWNERS
Can a business or property owner limit or prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on its premises?
Yes. The law permits certain owners and occupants of property to prohibit persons from carrying a concealed firearm in or on the property. A person may be subject to a Class B forfeiture if he or she carries a firearm on the property after being notified not to remain on the property or remain with a specific type of firearm. In the latter case, a property owner can prohibit a person form possessing a specific type of firearm on their property or any firearm. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m)(b).
In addition, property owners generally possess the right to exclude others from their property. While the specific provisions below only reference prohibiting the possession of firearms, property owners may also prohibit or restrict the possession of other weapons on their property. Violations of such restrictions may also constitute a Class B forfeiture under Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m)(b). Therefore, the language quoted below, while only mentioning firearms, applies with equal force to other weapons.
>snip<
Special events (e.g. sporting events, concerts, etc):
It is unlawful for any person to enter or remain at a special event if the organizers of the special event have notified the actor not to remain at the special event while carrying a firearm or with that type of firearm. The provision does not apply if the firearm is in a vehicle driven or parked in the parking facility, to any part of the special event grounds or building that is used as a parking facility. The law defines ―special event‖ as an event that is open to the public, is for a duration of not more than three weeks, and either has designated entrances to and from the event that are locked when the event is closed or requires an admission. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(1m)(c)3.
>snip<
What kind of notice must be given to a CCW license holder regarding any prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons?
Notice of statutorily prohibited locations is provided by statute and to the licensee on the license application and no other notice or sign is required for those locations.
Notice for other locations can be provided verbally or in writing or if the land is posted by a sign meeting certain criteria. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(am)
Where are signs required?
For non single family residences (e.g. apartment, condos, etc): A sign must be located in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies or near all probable access points to the grounds to which the regulation applies and the individual entering the building or grounds can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)2.a.
For non-residential buildings, state or governmental property or university or college: A sign must be posted in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the building can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)2.b.
For the grounds of a nonresidential building or land: A sign must be posted in a prominent place near all probable access points to the grounds or land to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the grounds or land can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)2.am.
For special events: A sign must be posted in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the special event and the individual attending the special event can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)2.c.
For posting land: A sign must be posted that is located in a prominent place near all probable access points to the grounds or land to which the restriction applies and any individual entering the grounds or land can be reasonably expected to see the sign. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)2b.
How big of a sign must be used?
A sign must be at least five inches by seven inches that states the restriction on carrying a firearm. Wis. Stat. § 943.13(2)(bm)1.
What must the sign say?
In regard to posting land, the law only provides that the sign must provide an ―appropriate notice‖ and the name of the person giving the notice (listing self as either the owner of occupant). Wis. Stats. § 943.13(2)am1. In regard to other locations the sign must simply state the restriction imposed. Wis. Stats. § 943.13(2)(bm)1. At a minimum the sign must inform people that weapons or firearms are prohibited. There are a number of messages that would meet the standard and the ultimate purpose of the sign is to put individuals on notice of the prohibition or limitation.
