LAKEVIEW — As 2014 rolls in, so does the state's new concealed-carry law — leaving many local small businesses with questions about what the law means for them.
The most common question from Lakeview businesses? Whether gun permit holders will be able to bring guns into their businesses, said Eric Carlson, spokesman for State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz.
That's one question Democrats Feigenholtz, state Rep. Ann Williams and Senate President John Cullerton, along with the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, hope to answer Monday.
The info session will be from 2-3 p.m. at the Town Hall district police station, 850 W. Addison St.
"A lot of small-business owners still have some questions about what is going to happen when the law goes into effect," Carlson said. "They just want to be able to continue running a safe and successful atmosphere at their business, in full cooperation of the law."
Illinois's concealed-carry law allows people with permits to carry guns on them, though carrying concealed guns is banned in about 25 place, like schools, bars, airports and libraries.
Chicago further stiffened restrictions by banning guns from restaurants that serve alcohol.
Individual businesses are allowed to ban guns by posting a state-approved sign, but deciding whether or not to do it has been contentious, with some fearing the sign would alienate gun-rights advocates and others worried it would make them a target for gun owners who don't have a permit.
Beyond that, some businesses still have questions on details, such as liability for crimes, employee rights, employee safety and firearms in cars.
The local officials hope experts at the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence will be able to clear up any lingering confusion.
"We’re expecting a big turnout for the event," Carlson said. "We’re hoping that everybody walks away with a peace of mind going into 2014."
