Drinking while carrying

**Naatie** · 22-11-2020, 08:54

I don't drink, so I can't really speak from experience, but to me, carrying comes with a massive amount of responsibility. I've never been drunk, but from what I understand, your judgement is compromised and your inhibitions can sometimes take a backseat. Why would you want to then put a gun in the mix. Regardless of what the law says, to me it seems irresponsible and too risky to even consider getting drunk whilst carrying. Again, this is just my opinion. Please don't shoot me. Especially not if you're drunk...

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**Fire-stick** · 22-11-2020, 10:15

Originally Posted by SLR

Because I enjoy a beer or wine with dinner

Not knocking you at all SLR, just food for thought for some.
Obviously a dry carry policy is best.

A beer or A wine.
Or
A pint or quart of beer and A bottle of wine.
Or
A whole lot of beers and A whole lot of wine.
Some people have varying degrees of 1...

Different stages of having your judgement clouded and different volumes of intake which ultimately can end in disaster.

A (as in 1 small or half) light beer or wine obviously has virtually no effect on the body.
A decent craft beer or larger glass of decent wine is a totally different story as it will "hit" you as evident with that nice little feeling when you reach the bottom.
That buzz of relaxation when reaching the bottom of a good one is obviously a sign that "judgement depletion" has started...

A no drinking and carrying policy is best.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position and the possibility of having that good ONE beer then rather remove your mag and chambered round and bag them away and separate from the FA before partaking in 1 or 2.
Not ideal but it may be your saving grace if stopped and searched as the weapon is not loaded and if you can have it documented as such it may save your ass a little.

There is a legal defined difference between carrying and handling but the official on duty probably has it as the same meaning thus harassment and arrest or confiscation may be on the menu.

**M43** · 22-11-2020, 11:21

Originally Posted by STREETRACER

Why would you want to drink while carrying?

For some people it would be the same as for why they have a drink before driving. They attach more value to the "buzz" or "state of numbness" that comes from consuming alcohol than the ability to use their gun effectively in a life and death situation or the ability to drive safely and not injure or kill other people...

**Springer** · 22-11-2020, 11:44

Originally Posted by M43

For some people it would be the same as for why they have a drink before driving. They attach more value to the "buzz" or "state of numbness" that comes from consuming alcohol than the ability to use their gun effectively in a life and death situation or the ability to drive safely and not injure or kill other people...

What utter rubbish. People enjoy a drink when socialising with mates or relaxing at the end of the day or the weekend - it's a completely acceptable pastime, with very specific laws and social etiquettes that gonwith it. Enjoying a drink with mates does not make you an alcoholic or mean that you require a "state of numbness" to function.
Alcoholism, or dependency, is a whole different discussion and really has little to do with the subject of this thread.

**SLR** · 22-11-2020, 13:27

You can have a drink without being drunk or an alcoholic.

If you can't stop at one or two thats a problem beyond just your carry of a firearm that you should deal with.

If you are particularly sensitive or your behavior is drastically altered by alcohol then you need to be rational regarding your behaviors.

But previous legal outcomes have ruled that possession alone is not handling.

If you're in a car (not driving) and get searched for some reason, you will not be found guilty of negligence because of having a few drinks.

**SoldierMan** · 22-11-2020, 14:25

Originally Posted by SLR

You can have a drink without being drunk or an alcoholic.

If you can't stop at one or two thats a problem beyond just your carry of a firearm that you should deal with.

If you are particularly sensitive or your behavior is drastically altered by alcohol then you need to be rational regarding your behaviors.

But previous legal outcomes have ruled that possession alone is not handling.

If you're in a car (not driving) and get searched for some reason, you will not be found guilty of negligence because of having a few drinks.

Ah right interesting, I would've thought different. To be safe though I wouldn't carry 1-up if drinking.

**WessonCountry** · 22-11-2020, 14:38

Originally Posted by SLR

You can have a drink without being drunk or an alcoholic.

If you can't stop at one or two thats a problem beyond just your carry of a firearm that you should deal with.

If you are particularly sensitive or your behavior is drastically altered by alcohol then you need to be rational regarding your behaviors.

But previous legal outcomes have ruled that possession alone is not handling.

If you're in a car (not driving) and get searched for some reason, you will not be found guilty of negligence because of having a few drinks.

Really not being facetious here, but how does one have a carry weapon without handling it? Strap up before drinking and remove when sober? If you handle a weapon when drinking at home, ie strapping or removing, that would also be an offense right?

More importantly, legal nuance aside, and as has been stated before, I wouldn’t trust SAPS not to harass you if you’re under the influence and carrying.

Also, bit harsh on folks who like a drink - not your specifically, but some of the previous comments.

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**Fire-stick** · 22-11-2020, 15:28

Originally Posted by WessonCountry

Also, bit harsh on folks who like a drink - not your specifically, but some of the previous comments.

Rather be a bit more specific and point out the previous comments.
If you want to beat the hornets nest then be brave enough to take the sting.
A what point was drinking, carrying and or handling promoted in the thread...??
Individuals choices are exactly that.

**WessonCountry** · 22-11-2020, 15:33

Originally Posted by Fire-stick

Rather be a bit more specific and point out the previous comments.
If you want to beat the hornets nest then be brave enough to take the sting.
A what point was drinking, carrying and or handling promoted in the thread...??
Individuals choices are exactly that.

Huh? I was saying it's a bit harsh to judge people who like a drink. Pretty sure it's obvious from the thread who had those opinions - and I hardly went after anyone, just said let's not judge. I replied directly to SLR, but if you read three posts up you'll see Springer made the same point.

I agree, individuals' choices are exactly that, so don't get judgmental about folks who like a drink.

**SLR** · 22-11-2020, 15:54

Originally Posted by SoldierMan

Ah right interesting, I would've thought different. To be safe though I wouldn't carry 1-up if drinking.

If you are having enough to get to that point where the condition of your weapon makes a difference to how safe you are, you're having too much IMO.

Originally Posted by WessonCountry

Really not being facetious here, but how does one have a carry weapon without handling it? Strap up before drinking and remove when sober? If you handle a weapon when drinking at home, ie strapping or removing, that would also be an offense right?

Your intent and actions are taken into account. "Under the influence" is intentionally open to interpretation. Moving your gun to your safe after a sip of wine is not 'handling under the influence' in a prosecutors or judges book as intended by the Act. If your actions are irresponsible or lead to harm then you need to be concerned.