Did Mike ask for the beer menu?

[Paraguy]

Love the new BD Series, as always it is excellent from both a content and presentation perspective. 
Did I hear wrong, or did Mike S ask for the beer menu while carrying concealed?!?!  IMHO, you can have a beer and still be very responsible, but if he had one sip could that have had an impact after the fact if it went to court?  That said, a reason I really like the BD series is that it is real world based, and I always ask for the beer menu, too.

[Timothy]

Here in MA you can carry in bars and restaurants but you cannot drink, period!

I can't watch these shows due to my current cable set up, I'm interested in hearing from more viewers on this myself!

[cookie62]

I caught that too. If you notice he was only armed with a knife.

[cookie62]

My bad he was armed with a pistol. Good question, I never drink when carrying just in case.

[tombogan03884]

Depends on the state .
Here in NH there are no restrictions.

[Sponsor]

[Paraguy]

Good point about the State laws, the BD never says if it is state specific, but seems like the show is more focused on scenarios rather than adhering to specific laws.  That said, even if it is OK to be in a bar with a concealed weapon, the question remains the same about the possible fallout in court after the fact.

[MikeBjerum]

As they say:

Know your laws, and know your personal limits.

[BullseyePrecision]

If you do drink and then get into a situation where you use your gun.  You better hope the judge is not anti gun or they will be trying to find anything you did to turn it around on you.  When I'm carrying I don't drink any alcoholic beverage period. I hope they address that so people don't get confused.  Other than that great episode.  I now set facing the door.

[Mike Seeklander]

Folks- Sorry I missed this string.  We did get several emails about it, and I responded to them.  Here was the response, hopefully you will understand our position, and the way shows are made (viewer feedback is valued since every once in awhile we miss something):
Hello Larry and Jason-

I thought I would write you both at the same time.  Jason you emailed me direct and Larry filled out a form on the U.S. Shooting Academy's website (I no longer work there but they forwarded me the comments). 

First of all, I want to thank both of you for watching the show.  We love our viewers and feedback, some of which cause a reply like this one. 

In terms of your observation about my requesting a beer list after being seated in the restaurant mob episode, here are a few thoughts.  While you are exactly right and that consuming alcohol is a bad idea while armed, that certainly was not what we meant to relay. 

First of all, the line was not necessarily scripted or vetted.  We simply come up with lines during the scenarios where we play the actors and act them out to the best of our ability on the show.   Such as in the case of that particular line, they are simply spur of the moment that we use when filming a scenario.  Secondly, you both are indeed right about consuming alcohol and carrying a firearm.  While it is ultimately everyones choice to do as they choose, almost all states prevent carrying a firearm while under the influence.  In Oklahoma that is exactly the rule.   I strongly suggest to everyone I come in contact with that they read the state law in detail of the state they carry in to find out what their state law is, rather than relying on someone to interpret it for them. 

In closing, I hope you understand both my position and the shows position on the subject of alcohol and guns, they don't mix!!  I suppose I could respond and tell you that I was asking for a beer list because I am a great husband and was ordering for my wife, but the truth is that it was simply a line that popped into my head in one of dozens of scenarios we shoot on The Best Defense.  I hope you can benefit from what that particular show meant to teach you the viewer, and can gain benefit from that rather than focusing too much on a spur of the moment line in the set up of the scenario!

Once again, thanks for watching!

[Paraguy]

Great response, and confirms my assumption that it was a case of TBD being as close to reality as possible.  Not a sip of beer was taken, and my assumption is that many times people carrying concealed find themselves in a restaurant and think about having a drink, remember they are packing then choose something with no alcohol.  Again, TBD presents ideal responses within the context of everyday reality.
Thanks again for a quality show, from both a content and presentation perspective.  I look forward to seeing more updates from viewers about the positive impact this show has had on the safety of themselves and their family...isn't that the main point of the show!?!?!