At least this week, no Open Carry in part of Westminster

For a variety of reasons, Westminster elected leaders have decided to forbid Open Carry of guns this week for a three-day period of the Apple Festival, in spite of last month’s enacted Open Carry law across the state.  A small police force, the newness of Open Carry, along with the questions and concerns Apple Festival visitors unfamiliar with the new law were among concerns voiced last night by the city administrator and a police department lieutenant.  The Open Carry ban is to be in effect from 5 o’clock tomorrow afternoon through 11 o’clock Saturday night—the busiest period of the festival.  The prohibition, it was explained, is confined to the downtown this week only does not necessarily mean that a similar ban would be enacted for future large gatherings, such as next month’s Big Foot event in the city.  Only Mayor Brian Ramey cast a vote in opposition, explaining he’s uncomfortable taking an action that strips gun owners of a freedom granted them by action of the governor and the legislature.  Councilman Yusef Mefleh raised similar concerns, but decided to vote with the majority after Administrator Bronson and Lt. Patterson answered questions.