Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to carry a gun in a bank or credit union?
Yes, assuming the bank isn't posted with a sign to the effect that firearms are prohibited. If you carry a gun into a posted area, and you are asked to leave, do so immediately, or you may be charged with trespass.
Is it legal to carry a gun in a hospital?
There is no Maine law which restricts the carrying of firearms in hospitals. If they are private property, the management may prohibit firearms on their premises, as may any private property.
Note, however, that a state-run hospital in the Augusta Capital Area, like Rvierviee Psychiatric Center, would be covered under the same administrative rule prohibiting firearms which applies to any State of Maine property in the City of Augusta.
Is it legal to carry a gun in a Federal Building?
No. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm in Federal facilities. See 18 USC 930.
Is it legal to carry a gun in a Post Office?
No. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm on Post Office premises, like all Federal facilities. See 18 USC 930.
Is it legal to carry a gun in a restaurant or bar?
First, we need to get our definitions straight, becuse there is a lot of confusion about what sort of establishments are covered under the law.
Maine gun laws don't refer to "bars"; they apply to "establishments licensed for the on-premises consumption of liquor". Some people believe that the law applies only to establishments which derive more than 50% of their revenue from liquor sales, or establishments which serve liquor but not food, or some other formulation. If the establishment is licensed for the on-premises consumption of liquor, the law applies, whether it's a waterfront bar or the neighborhood Applebee's. It doesn't matter if you're sitting in the bar area or at a dining room table.
So, now that we know where the law applies, what is the law? The applicable statute is 17-A MRSA 1057, which states (in part):
ยง1057. Possession of firearms in an establishment licensed for on-premises consumption of liquor
So, if a place that serves liquor has a sign saying "No Guns", either don't go in, or leave your gun behind.
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