Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson City Council on Monday gave final approval to an ordinance prohibiting open carry of firearms during picketing and other permitted events on public property.
The ordinance includes a prohibition of concealable weapons or open carry of firearms during pickets “as expressly allowed by Section 22-31-520 of the South Carolina Code of Laws” on public property in the city being used for permitted events.
The move aims to eliminate any potential ambiguity in regard to state law, which gives local landowners and municipalities the right to regulate the use of firearms or ammunition.
The amended ordinance limits the open carry of firearms during all other permitted events on public property as also expressly allowed by the aforementioned S.C. law. The goal is to promote peace and good order during events and, further, recognizes the prohibition of open carry as described above is in keeping with city policy as it pertains to its own buildings and facilities.
The ordinance is similar to one passed by the City of Greenville last month.
Signs will be placed downtown as part permitted events to help educate the public on the new regulations.
Also on Monday, city council approved the rezoning of 218 Tribble Street, 508 and 520 Fair Street, and 1.98 acres located off Clinkscales Street from HI, Heavy Industrial to GC, General Commercial.