Duval County

Action News Jax investigates Florida law on carrying concealed weapon where alcohol is served

FLORIDA — Action News Jax has investigated the Florida law when it comes to carrying a concealed weapon inside places that serve alcohol.

Action News Jax Alicia Tarancon found out that the suspect involved in a shooting at a bar in downtown Jacksonville Wednesday night, should not have been carrying a gun inside the bar.

Fear and confusion inside a packed club during a Christmas party downtown.

A witness shared video with Action News Jax of people running after a shooting at Live Bar.

In another moment you can see first-responders scrambling inside to help a man who had been shot in this chaotic scene.

A club promoter who didn’t want to show his face on camera was inside said that most of the bars in Jacksonville’s entertainment district have security guards at the door.

“They’re searching for guns and weapons to enter a club,” said.

But Action news Jax found several Facebook post from people who say that no one was being patted down by security Wednesday night, we’ve called the bar to ask about the posts and are waiting to hear back.

Under Florida Law, a person is not allowed to carry firearms inside an establishment whose main purpose is to sell alcohol.

For example, if you go into a restaurant with a bar you cannot carry a firearm in the bar area, only the dining area.

if you choose to sit at a bar to wait for an open table, you’re still not allowed to carry a weapon.

The promoter we spoke with told us though guns aren’t allowed, there are ways for people to bring them in to clubs undetected.

“Even an outside security guard, who’s to say it wasn’t a bottle girl who brought the gun in, who’s to say a waitress already didn’t bring the gun in, who say a DJ didn’t bring it in the bag?” asked the promoter.

A witness said there were security guards here on Wednesday night. We’re working to learn how the gun got inside and who pulled the trigger.