New Arizona Law Pits Gun Rights Against Private Business

It's always interesting when situations arise that create a rights-versus-rights dilemma. A new bill being proposed by the Arizona legislature is doing just that: pitting the rights of private businesses against Second Amendment rights.

Arizona is the Wild, Wild West. Kind of.

Arizona has a reputation as the home of the Wild Wild West, but even in the late 1880s, during the famous Gunfight at the OK Corral, anyone entering the town of Tombstone was required to check their gun before walking down Allen Street.

The "facts" behind the gunfight have been distorted by Hollywood and history, and you can see what I'm talking about here: Gunfight Somewhere NEAR the OK Corral: Is It All a Hollywood LIE?

Concealed Carry for Everyone (Kind Of) In Arizona

According to the website, US Concealed Carry, the state of Arizona allows most adults 21 years and over to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. That is, as long as a person can legally possess a firearm, you don't need to let the state know you're doing it.

If you just dropped into our state from somewhere like, say, California, you might be appalled, Horrified, even.

In California, you would need to get a concealed carry permit. Approval depends on training, background checks, and local policies. Honestly, you probably have a better chance of getting a permit to run a domestic zebra farm within city limits than you have of getting your CCW in the Golden State.

In 2009, the Arizona Legislature passed a bill allowing concealed‑weapons permit holders to carry firearms into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. It was signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer. There were concerns that alcohol and firearms don't mix, so if you carry your sidearm into a bar, you're not allowed to consume alcohol.

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The law still allows business owners to prohibit weapons on their private property. Per ARS 4-229, they're required to post a sign that states: "No Firearms Allowed." There are other requirements, such as shape, size, and placement. Still, this caveat preserves business owners' freedom to decide whether to allow firearms in their private establishments.

To me, this checks all the boxes: it preserves the Second Amendment, and it upholds private ownership rights, allowing businesses to set rules that make sense to them.

READ: Understanding Squatting Laws In Arizona: Homeowner Challenges

A New Bill Might Change Private Business Rights in Arizona

A new bill making its way through the Arizona legislature could change things for private businesses.

If passed, the bill would force Arizona businesses to allow anyone with a concealed‑weapons permit to bring their gun inside, even if the business currently posts a “no firearms” sign.

The bill was introduced by Republican lawmakers in Phoenix, and the debate centers around property rights vs. Second Amendment rights.

• Supporters argue it protects the rights of concealed‑carry permit holders.
• Opponents, including bars, restaurants, and property‑rights advocates, argue that it would strip business owners of their right to control what happens on their property.

While it's likely the governor will veto this law if it passes, it raises an interesting question: whose rights should be preserved? Gun advocates or private enterprise? That is the real dilemma.