Local News
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Bans Handguns for 2016 Event
Since the legalization of open carry, which originally passed in June 2015, and then officially took place on January 1, 2016, there have been conflicting views on the issue. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo dropped their verdict on the matter: no guns allowed, regardless of concealed or open carry preferences.
When asked what brought on the decision, HLSR President Joel Cowley told ABC13, “When we were considering it, most of the people we heard from were those concerned that there’d be guns at the show.” HLSR plans on making the information very publicly known so that there is no further confusion at the entrance of the show.
In addition, the organization will implementing extensive security measures, similar to the “same ones used at Texans games” in order to catch any firearms that ticket-holders would try to sneak past. They have taken this stance, specifically, to promote a family atmosphere because it is Houston’s “iconic entertainment event,” that represents the city nationwide.
HLSR also plans to post signs regarding the policy, driving home the fact that guns are not allowed onsite, regardless “whether or not the owner has a state permit.” Both concealed and open carry handguns are prohibited, and the signs will reflect this directly.
