Metro Business Owners Decide Open Carry Policies

Oklahomans will soon be able to start packing heat in public. The new open carry law goes into effect on November 1.

The new open carry law means those with a concealed carry license will be able to carry their gun in full view, but there are some limits under the new law. Guns are still prohibited in government buildings, some public events and in schools. It's also up to businesses to decide their own policies.

Tapwerks in Bricktown wants to keep the safety of its staff and patrons first.

"There's no real reason to have anything like that in here," Tapwerks assistant general manager Courtney Larry said. "Our policy is going to be not to allow any firearms in, and that's just something we're going to have to let our security staff be aware of."

Policies vary for other businesses. Bass Pro Shop will allow licensed gun owners to carry openly in the store. Other business owners, however, know there will be concerns at first about seeing guns out in the open, and their stores' open carry policies could change.

"That is their prerogative," Vance Thomas with the Bricktown Candy Company says. "If it would start to be a problem for the business, that people would be scared off by this, I think a sign would be put up at that point."

The requirements to get a concealed permit right now will remain the same, like the training and background check. You'll also need to carry your handgun license and Oklahoma identification at all times.

To carry openly, the handgun must be less than 16 inches and .45 caliber or less in cartridge size.

The gun must also be carried in a "belt or shoulder holster."