Sussex to Ban Concealed Weapons from Village Buildings

After for further review, the Sussex Village Board Tuesday approved an ordinance to restrict carrying a concealed weapon in village buildings as well as private buildings with the right signage.

Unlike ordinances in other communities, the measure unanimously adopted by Sussex trustees includes private buildings. This means any business in Sussex is allowed to post some type of “no weapons allowed” sign at each entrance, as long as its in compliance with the ordinance. The local ordinance takes effect Nov. 1, the same day kicks in.

If someone were to disregard the signs, business owners could call the police.

This is especially important for the because the building is not owned by the village and employees have expressed concern about concealed weapons. Starting Nov. 1, the library will also post an restrictive sign.

However, residents showed up to Tuesday's meeting to express their concerns about the ordinance. Sussex resident Dan Turkal says criminals aren’t going to obey the law, and this type of restriction only limits the opportunity to defend yourself.

“I’m supporting to not pass this ordinance, based on the fact that it’ll be ineffective,” Turkal said. “If we put a sticker in a window, it’s not going to prevent someone from going in and shooting up the place.”

The ordinance will restrict concealed carry in the , , waste water treatment plant, garage, the completely enclosed buildings at Village Park (not the Lions Open Air Pavilion), the , all seven well houses, and concession stands at parks.

The new restrictions will not apply to village-owned parks because they’re not enclosed.