The State of Illinois recently passed the Firearm Concealed Carry Act on July 9, 2013.  This allows citizens to carry concealed firearms.  The Act will go into effect in 2014.  Illinois State Police is now in the process of setting up rules in accordance with the act.

Crain’s Chicago Business has posted an article regarding what this new act means for building owners, landlords, and tenants.  Below is a summary of the points described in the article.

Building Owners

• Have the authority to prohibit people from entering their property with a concealed firearm
• In order to prohibit people, a sign must be posted at the entrance of the building indicating that firearms are prohibited
• The language for the signage is still to be determined

Landlords and Tenants

• If landlords would like to prohibit firearms to be carried on their property, they should review lease rules and regulations to ensure that they implement the concealed carry policies properly
• Landlords should look at other states lease policies regarding prohibiting firearms to be carried at a property
• Tenants should review their leases to know their obligations to the property

Property Managers

• If you are a property manager for an out-of-state owner you should talk with the building owner to confirm that they understand their rights and obligations with this act
• Internal policies should be reviewed in order to properly implement them to clients

Businesses Serving Alcohol

• If more than 50% of revenue is derived from alcohol sales, the law prohibits the carrying of a firearm in such establishment
• If an owner of an establishment that does have 50% of revenue from alcohol sales does not prohibit the carrying of a firearm they can face a penalty of $5,000
• Restaurant and bar owners should also think about the implications on their liability insurance

For the full article, please click here.