Last updated .
In 2009, Arizona enacted a law allowing concealed weapons permit holders to carry handguns into the premises of a licensed bar or restaurant that serves alcohol unless the alcohol licensee has posted a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises. The sign must meet certain requirements.1
This law was subsequently amended in 20132 to eliminate the concealed weapons permit requirement for carrying a concealed handgun into the premises of an alcohol licensee. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-229(A) now states, “A person may carry a concealed handgun on the premises of a [bar or restaurant licensed to serve alcohol] unless the licensee posts a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises.”
Note, however, that Arizona’s laws on this matter appear contradictory. Arizona lawmakers have not amended Section 4-244(29), which still states that it is generally unlawful for a person other than a peace officer (whether on duty or off duty) or the owner or authorized employee of an alcohol licensee “to be in possession of a firearm while on the licensed [business’] premises,” except in the case of “a person with a permit issued pursuant to [the CCW permitting law] who carries a concealed handgun on the licensed premises….” Section 4-244(30) also still makes it generally unlawful for the owner or employee of such alcohol licensees to knowingly permit a person in possession of a firearm to remain on the business’ premises, except if the person is a peace officer (whether on duty or off duty) or “a person with a permit issued pursuant to [the CCW permitting law]….”
Notwithstanding these contradictions, Arizona law does prohibit anyone, including a concealed weapons permit holder, from consuming alcohol while in possession of a firearm on the premises of an alcohol licensee business.3
Arizona law also prohibits possession of a firearm:
- In an election polling place on the day of any election;4
- On the person or within the immediate control of any person in a nuclear or hydroelectric generating station;5
- In any “public establishment,” or while attending any “public event,” after a reasonable request to remove the weapon and place it in the custody of the operator of the establishment or sponsor of the event for temporary and secure storage.6 (“Public establishment” means a structure, vehicle or craft owned, leased or operated by the state or a political subdivision.7 “Public event” means an event of limited duration conducted by a public entity or a private entity with a permit or license granted by a public entity);8 or
- On the grounds of a jail or correctional facility or a secure care facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Corrections.9
State administrative regulations may prohibit the carrying of firearms in additional locations.
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- 2009 Ariz. ALS 175 §§ 2, 3, codified as Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 4-229(A), (B), (E), 4-244(29)(C), (30)(C). The department of liquor licenses and control prepares the signs and makes them available at no cost to licensees. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-229(D). The law also provides affirmative defenses if:
• The person was not informed of the notice prior to the violation;
• The sign had fallen down at the time of the violation; or
• At the time of the violation, the sign had been posted for thirty days or less. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-229(C).[↩]
- See 2014 Ariz. ALS 253 § 25.[↩]
- 2009 Ariz. ALS 175 § 3 (codified as Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 4-244(31). This section has a minor exception to permit “the consumption of small amounts of spirituous liquor by an undercover peace officer on assignment to investigate the licensed establishment.”[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(A)(11).[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(A)(11).[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(A)(10). Unless the operator or sponsor is licensed to manufacture, sell, or deal in liquor, the storage must be readily accessible on entry and allow for the immediate retrieval of the weapon on exit from the establishment or event. Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102.01.[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(M)(2).[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-3102(M)(3).[↩]
- Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-2505, 13-2514, 31-129.[↩]
FAQs
Where can you not carry a gun in AZ? ›
Open carry is legal in Arizona for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and liquor stores that have posted “no weapons” signs.
Does Arizona have magazine restrictions? ›Arizona has no law restricting large capacity magazines.
What are the concealed and carry laws in Arizona? ›Last updated January 5, 2023 . On April 16, 2010, Arizona's governor signed into law a bill that allows any individual aged 21 or over to carry a firearm concealed on his or her person in public without a license or permit.
Is Arizona an open carry state? ›For example, Arizona's “Constitutional Carry” law (est. July 29, 2010) allows any citizen who can legally own/purchase a firearm and is 21 years or older to carry it loaded and concealed on their person without any type of permit or license anywhere inside the vehicle.
Can you carry a gun in Walmart in AZ? ›How Walmart's change in firearm policies will affect Arizona stores. Walmart announced on Tuesday morning that it will ask customers not to openly carry firearms into its stores, potentially affecting locations in Arizona, where people are allowed to carry firearms both openly and concealed without requiring permits.
Can I take my gun on a road trip to Arizona? ›FOPA GENERALLY
For Arizona's gun law basics, click here. Under FOPA's specific provisions, a person can legally transport a firearm to and from any place, as long the firearm is unloaded, and inaccessible to the driver or any passenger.
In Arizona, you can legally open carry a handgun. You can also concealed carry by having the gun in your pocket or otherwise hidden. Arizona does not require you to register your gun, meaning you can carry a concealed gun without the need for a permit.
Why is Arizona so gun friendly? ›Here are some measures that earn Arizona its status as a gun-friendly state: Arizona is one of three states to let people carry concealed weapons without a permit. In 2010, the state passed a law to let any qualified adult carry a concealed weapon without a state permit, training and a background check.
What is the Arizona state gun? ›The newest of the state symbols, the Colt Single Action Revolver became the state firearm in 2011. The state firearm is the Colt Single Action Army Revolver.
Is Arizona a stand your ground state? ›Arizona Law
Arizona has a stand your ground law which removes the duty to retreat in any place where a person “may legally be and is not engaged in an unlawful act.”2 Arizona's law also authorizes the use of deadly force to prevent burglary of unoccupied residential structures.
Can you conceal carry in a bar in Arizona? ›
In 2009, Arizona enacted a law allowing concealed weapons permit holders to carry handguns into the premises of a licensed bar or restaurant that serves alcohol unless the alcohol licensee has posted a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises.
Can you carry a gun into a bank in Arizona? ›Can You Carry a Gun into a Bank in Arizona? There are no federal or state laws prohibiting carry in banks in Arizona. As private property, carry is allowed unless a sign is posted prohibiting firearms.
What weapons are illegal in Arizona? ›Prohibited Deadly Weapons
Box Cutters, Butterfly Knives, Firearms, Daggers, Knives, Pen Guns, Razors, Razor Blades, Straight Razors, Swords.
“Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world,” the handbook states. “With the exception of current law enforcement officers, the carrying of lethal weapons on Church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.”
Can I bring my gun from California to Arizona? ›While a state may have restrictions to gun ownership and possession, there is no such federal restriction for gun owners who wish to interstate travel. FOPA protects against local and state restrictions that prohibit firearms transportation across state lines.
Can you carry a gun in Tombstone AZ? ›"To Provide against Carrying of Deadly Weapons" (effective April 19, 1881). Section 1. It is hereby declared unlawful to carry in the hand or upon the person or otherwise any deadly weapon within the limits of said city of Tombstone, without first obtaining a permit in writing.
Can you carry a gun while hiking in Arizona? ›Yeah, open carry and concealed carry are both legal in the state.
Can you shoot anywhere in the desert in Arizona? ›You must not discharge firearms within 150 yards of residences, buildings, campsites, occupied areas, recreational areas, or domestic livestock. Shooting across a road, trail, or wash is prohibited. Shooting should only take place in areas well away from other concentrations of people and property.
Can you walk around with a loaded gun Arizona? ›The open carry of firearms is not specially regulated. Anyone over the age of 18 who can legally possess a firearm can openly carry a firearm, including rifles and shotguns. Openly carried firearms do not need to be carried unloaded.
Can I take my gun to Las Vegas from Arizona? ›You are subject to federal law, not just Arizona law, if you drive across state lines with a firearm. Under federal law, you can only transport an unloaded gun in your vehicle while crossing state lines, and only if you are traveling to and from locations where you may lawfully possess and carry your firearm.
Can you have a gun in Arizona without a license? ›
Arizona is considered a constitutional carry state, which means that you do not need to obtain any type of permit or license to legally carry a gun. Open carry is permitted for those 18 and older.
What are the least gun friendly states? ›The most gun friendly state in the United States is Arizona. The least gun friendly state in the United States is Delaware. 149,146 Americans are employed by the U.S. firearm industry.
Can I own an AR pistol in Arizona? ›AJI Sporting Goods owner Jeff Serdy said, in Arizona, a person must be 21 years old and an Arizona resident to buy a handgun. The age to buy a long gun is 18. Even though an AR-15 is called an assault rifle, it's simply a long gun for legal purposes, so the age required to buy one is 18.
Do I need a gun safe in Arizona? ›Arizona has no law that requires unattended firearms to be stored in a certain way. Arizona also does not require a locking device to accompany the sale of a firearm, and no state statutes require firearm owners to affirmatively lock their weapons.
Do you have to show ID to police in Arizona? ›In Arizona, you must give the officer your name or ID so the officer can identify you. You do not need to answer other questions about what you are doing, where you are going, or why you do not want to talk to the officer. Your refusal to answer questions is not evidence of your involvement in a crime.
Is Arizona a second chance state? ›Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has signed House Bill 2067 into law, which will allow many Arizonians with a criminal record to qualify for a Certificate of Second Chance. Keep reading for more information.
Can you drink in your front yard in Arizona? ›As mentioned, it's illegal to drink in a public street, gathering, or similar place. However, this rule doesn't apply to private property or a public recreation area. While you can't be arrested for public drunkenness alone, you can get arrested for being offensive or disruptive while intoxicated.
Can you open carry in a restaurant in Arizona? ›It is illegal for any person to be in possession of a firearm while at an establishment that serves alcohol except: Law enforcement officers; The licensee or their employees; but.
Can you conceal carry without a holster in Arizona? ›Firearms must be transported in a case, holster, storage compartment, trunk or glove compartment. If the gun is in a holster, then it can be concealed anywhere in the car.
Can you carry a gun at work in Arizona? ›Arizona's gun laws tend to be less restrictive than in other parts of the U.S., authorizing most people over the age of 21 to carry a weapon, either openly or concealed. While the option to bear arms is a constitutional right for U.S. citizens, employers also have the right to keep weapons out of the workplace.
Can you carry a gun in a bank in Arizona? ›
Can You Carry a Gun into a Bank in Arizona? There are no federal or state laws prohibiting carry in banks in Arizona. As private property, carry is allowed unless a sign is posted prohibiting firearms.
Can I carry a gun in my pocket in Arizona? ›In Arizona, you can legally open carry a handgun. You can also concealed carry by having the gun in your pocket or otherwise hidden. Arizona does not require you to register your gun, meaning you can carry a concealed gun without the need for a permit.
Can you carry in the Grand Canyon? ›As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.