Georgia City Greenlights Guns At Work For Its Employees

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City workers in Demorest will now be able to carry concealed weapons to work. / Wikimedia Commons

The city of Demorest, Georgia has passed an ordinance allowing its employees to carry concealed weapons at work.

Mayor Rick Austin said the ordinance, which passed Tuesday, rolls back a previous rule that prohibited city employees from carrying concealed firearms. He believes the new policy makes Demorest the first city in the state to greenlight concealed guns in city buildings and vehicles.

He believes the new policy makes Demorest the first city in the state to greenlight concealed guns in city buildings and vehicles.

In 2014, Georgia lawmakers passed the “Safe Carry Protection Act,” which allowed concealed weapons in government buildings. Austin said the Demorest rule aligns city policy with state law.

“No one is commanded to carry. No one is mandated to carry. It gives them the opportunity that other Georgians have the opportunity to do,” said Austin. 

“I don’t know how many will take advantage of that, but, ultimately, it’s a personal choice, and with that personal choice comes personal responsibility.”

Employees who want to carry will need to hold a Georgia concealed carry license and pass a specific training course. Austin said conduct in violation of the policy could result in dismissal.

Jerry Henry, Executive Director of Georgia Carry, said he couldn’t think of any other city in Georgia with an official policy explicitly approving concealed carry for city employees.

“Although there could be some who have a non-official policy which allows employees the same right, as in don't ask, don't tell,” Henry said.

Demorest is located about 80 miles northeast of Atlanta and has about 2,000 residents.