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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
concealed weapons; notice; repeal
Purpose
Allows a person to carry a concealed handgun on the premises of an on-sale liquor retailer, provided that the person has a concealed carry weapon permit (CCW) and does not consume spirituous liquor. Removes the ability of an on-sale liquor retailer to prohibit firearms on their licensed premises.
Background
Statute allows individuals to carry concealed handguns on the premises of a liquor licensee who is an on-sale retailer, except that carrying firearms is prohibited if the licensee posts a sign that clearly prohibits the possession of weapons on the licensed premises. The sign must conform to specified requirements, including that it be posted in a conspicuous location, contain a pictogram of a firearm within a red circle and diagonal red line through the firearm, and the words no firearms allowed pursuant to A.R.S. section 4-229. Statute outlines various affirmative defenses to this prohibition and also specifies that persons may enter a premises where weapons are prohibited in order to seek emergency aid or to determine if a sign has been posted. Violations of this prohibition are classified as class 3 misdemeanors (A.R.S. §§ 4-229 and 4-246). An on-sale retailer means any person operating an establishment where spiritous liquors are sold in the original container for consumption on or off the premises or in individual portions for consumption on the premises (A.R.S. § 4-101).
The Department of Public Safety is required to issue CCW permits to qualified applicants who: 1) are U.S. citizens or Arizona residents; 2) are 21 years old or older, or at least 19 years old with evidence of current or prior military service; 3) are not under indictment for or convicted of a felony; 4) do not suffer from mental illness and has not been adjudicated mentally incompetent; 5) are not unlawfully present in the United States; and 6) has demonstrated competence with a firearm through prescribed methods, including a firearms safety training course, a hunter education course, a law enforcement training course, documented military experience or a valid current or expired CCW permit. CCW permittees who carry on the premises of an on-sale retailer who allows for concealed carry on their premises must present the permit for inspection on the request of a law enforcement officer. Failure to present the permit subjects a person to a $300 civil penalty, possible permit suspension and possible temporary forfeiture of their firearm (A.R.S. § 13-3112).
A person commits misconduct involving weapons if the person, unless specifically authorized by law, knowingly enters any public establishment or public event while carrying a deadly weapon after a reasonable request by the operator of the establishment or event to remove the weapon and place it in the custody of the operator of the establishment or event, who then must provide for the temporary and secure storage of the firearm. Public establishment means a structure, vehicle or craft that is owned, leased or operated by this state or a political subdivision of this state, and public event means a specifically named or sponsored event of limited duration that is either conducted by a public entity or conducted by a private entity with a permit or license granted by a public entity (A.R.S. §§ 13-3102 and 13-3102.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a person to carry a concealed handgun on the premises of an on-sale liquor retailer if the person has a valid CCW permit and does not consume spiritous liquor.
2. Removes the ability of an on-sale liquor retailer to prohibit firearms on their premises if the licensee has posted a notice prohibiting such activity.
3. Repeals statute relating to:
a) signage requirements for notices prohibiting the carrying of firearms on outlined premises;
b) affirmative defenses to carrying firearms on prohibited premises as outlined;
c) the requirement that the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control prepare and provide outlined signs to licensees at no cost; and
d) exemptions to the prohibition against carrying firearms on outlined premises.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 19, 2026
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