Well.....after the long wait the day has finally arrived. The Illinois State Police printed and mailed out 5,000 concealed carry permits. The first batch of permits are supposed to be mostly Concealed Carry Instructors. However, the law is fully in effect, so those people that receive their permits will now be "packing heat" in public where it is legal to do so. http://www.today.com/entertainment/bea-arthur-nude-painting-sells-1-9-million-1C9948196
The next interesting question is how long will it be before the first instance of an legal Illinois CCL permit holder engaging in a shooting incident with a thug. My own guess is that the first instance will occur in Chicago proper by Memorial Day.
There are several important things that need to happen ASAP.
1. Local Police Depts. need to communicate to their officers and community residents through some type of forum so that CCL Permit Holders and Police Officers have an established protocol to interact in the event of a traffic stop, an incident, etc.
2. Those businesses that either wish to or are required to post No Firearms Allowed signs need to do so ASAP. This is particularly important for any business that serves alcohol...if their gross receipts are < 50% from booze they MAY or MAY NOT post a sign. If gross receipts are > 50% from booze they are REQUIRED to post a sign. CCL Permit holders should not be expected to guess whether a business is required.
3. CCL Permit Holders need to be damn careful to follow the rules as carrying a concealed firearm may be a right but it comes with substantial responsibilities.
Looking forward to everyone being safe and able to defend themselves....
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