So, I've been OC'ing every day everywhere for the last couple years. I've not been hassled anywhere I've been (Kroger, Target, several northside bars, even my credit union, etc.)...... until recently.
Suddenly a month ago my local neighborhood bar decided they don't like it anymore and decided to change their policy and posted a
on their doors.
Last time I walked in I was asked to leave it in my car. I simply left and I haven't been back since.
I have been playing pool in the American Poolplayers Association for 7 years now, ever since my wife passed away (something to keep me busy and possibly meet someone new). My team captain (retired Army Ranger) and I, as well as several others in the league have been carrying at matches held at our "home" bar for years without incident. Weekly matches have us playing from 7pm to usually around midnight every Thursday.
Then 2 weeks ago, a league member on another team who was stinkin drunk harassed my captain and I for a couple hours screaming at us about "why do you need to carry a gun in a bar?" and "guns don't belong in bars", "I could snatch that gun from you and shoot you with it". Now, that bar has suddenly decided that guns are no longer allowed. The bar owner told us last week that would be the last night we would be allowed to carry there.
I enjoy playing and like the distraction and challenge playing pool brings me, but I don't feel I can compromise my principles; the right to defend myself and others around me should the need arise.
There are 3 more matches left this season and I am considering sending my team the following note:
Is it worth it to give up a fun, relatively inexpensive hobby/activity for this or is this not the hill to "die" on?
EDIT: The staff there knows us well and that we are trustworthy, responsible patron. None of us has ever caused any trouble either with firearms or alcohol. I consume 1 beer per hour, just enough to stay a little loose and calm while playing.
Suddenly a month ago my local neighborhood bar decided they don't like it anymore and decided to change their policy and posted a
on their doors.Last time I walked in I was asked to leave it in my car. I simply left and I haven't been back since.
I have been playing pool in the American Poolplayers Association for 7 years now, ever since my wife passed away (something to keep me busy and possibly meet someone new). My team captain (retired Army Ranger) and I, as well as several others in the league have been carrying at matches held at our "home" bar for years without incident. Weekly matches have us playing from 7pm to usually around midnight every Thursday.
Then 2 weeks ago, a league member on another team who was stinkin drunk harassed my captain and I for a couple hours screaming at us about "why do you need to carry a gun in a bar?" and "guns don't belong in bars", "I could snatch that gun from you and shoot you with it". Now, that bar has suddenly decided that guns are no longer allowed. The bar owner told us last week that would be the last night we would be allowed to carry there.
I enjoy playing and like the distraction and challenge playing pool brings me, but I don't feel I can compromise my principles; the right to defend myself and others around me should the need arise.
There are 3 more matches left this season and I am considering sending my team the following note:
I don't plan on spending any more money there on supper and beer while there for the rest of the season.
Is it worth it to give up a fun, relatively inexpensive hobby/activity for this or is this not the hill to "die" on?
EDIT: The staff there knows us well and that we are trustworthy, responsible patron. None of us has ever caused any trouble either with firearms or alcohol. I consume 1 beer per hour, just enough to stay a little loose and calm while playing.
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