New 30.06 and 30.07 sign

[clarionite]

This weekend I was cooking for a friend. I realized I was out of one of my favorite wines, so I ran to HEB to pick it up. HEB was out, so I went to my back up store, the local liquor store near my place. As I was walking in, I noticed two new signs. A 30.06 and a 30.07 were to the left of the door. I turned around and almost drove off, but really wanted my friend to try this wine, so I disarmed and went in to buy my bottle. Normally I would have bought 2 or 3 to keep on hand, but I bought just the one needed for supper. I asked to speak with the manager after my transaction and politely let him know that unfortunately this bottle of wine would be my last purchase at this location. He really didn't seem concerned. He said "Oh, OK" and turned to talk to another customer. The other customer however asked me why I would make that decision... I pointed to the two signs in the window. I told the small group standing there that I had no problem with the 30.07 sign, because some people do become nervous with open carry. But that my concealed carry didn't affect his business at all. He said that not even police officers were supposed to carry in his store, because they were a 51% establishment. I politely explained that wasn't the case, he would have been issued a 51% sign from TABC had his establishment garnered 51% or more of their income from the consumption of alcohol on the premises. He still didn't seem phased at all. But two of the other patrons who were listening seemed to approve and agree. I doubt I made any difference, but at least they'll know why they lost at least one of their customers.

[cbunt1]

. . . He said that not even police officers were supposed to carry in his store, because they were a 51% establishment. . . .

I think some (not nearly all, but some) of the signs we're seeing going up are just like this -- posted because a proprietor thinks they "need" to, not because they really care too much. All this is, for them, just one more regulation one more hassle, one more potential fine from TABC. In many cases it's what I call "honest ignorance," but the opportunity to cure the ignorance is rarely in the middle of the business day for them when they're worrying about inventory, shrinkage, shelf space, paying vendors, and staff scheduling.

Part of the problem, as I understand it, is that TABC simply sends out a packet of signs -- the same packet to all licensees, and leaves it up to them to figure out which one they're supposed to post.