The North Carolina General Assembly passed new gun control legislation this past session which was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory on July 29, 2013.  House Bill 937 significantly changes North Carolina’s concealed handgun permit regulation and lifts certain prohibitions regarding the carrying of a concealed weapon.  Effective October 1, 2013, concealed handgun permit holders may carry their weapon into an establishment which serves alcohol unless the establishment posts conspicuous notices prohibiting concealed weapons.  House Bill 937 additionally allows concealed handgun permit holders to leave their gun in their locked vehicle while parked in an area owned or leased by State government.  The bill includes additional provisions affecting educational property, locally controlled parks, places where tickets are sold for admission, parades and funerals. 

While many North Carolina employers remain unaffected by this new legislation, it serves as a reminder that employers must take affirmative action in order to prohibit weapons in the workplace.  To bar employees from carrying concealed weapons while on the job, employers must post conspicuous signage notifying all employees that weapons are not permitted on the premises.