In Michigan, if you have a CPL pistol license, you can carry anywhere except the 9 places listed on the back of your CPL, but there are exceptions. Let’s start with the 9 places you can not carry.
- Schools or school property, but may carry while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if you are a parent or legal guardian
- Public or private day care center, public or private child caring agency.
- Sports arena or stadium
- A tavern where the primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic liquor by the glass consumed on the premises
- Any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless the presiding official or officials allow concealed weapons
- An entertainment facility that the individual knows or should know has a seating capacity of 2,500 or more
- A hospital
- A dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university. “Premises” does not include the parking areas of the places listed above.
- A Casino
Keep in mind, the State doesn’t control private property. The property owner or the private business owner can post a sign that states “No guns or weapons allowed”. Many businesses, factories and restaurants all across the State of Michigan do this.
In the 35 years of working in the State of Michigan, only once was I told I could carry at work. Most companies I worked for said I couldn’t even have it in my personal vehicle while at work. It would not have been illegal for me to carry my gun or leave it in my vehicle, but I could lose my job by carrying my weapon where the State said I could.
If you walk into a business and they have signs posted at the entrance stating no guns and they see you carrying, they can and will ask you to leave. If you don’t, you are now trespassing and they have the right to call the local law enforcement. Now you are being arrested for trespassing with a Concealed weapon and you could lose your gun. You could be convicted and lose your right to ever own a gun again.
So, know your rights and your surroundings. If you come upon a place that won’t let you carry, either leave your pistol locked up in your vehicle or don’t do business there. You have the right to shop and dine and even work where you feel safe.