Disney World claims that it’s exempt from a new state law that allows workers to bring handguns to work.
Disney says by banning the guns, it’s looking out for the safety of its workers and guests.
The NRA quotes a memo from Shannon McAleavey, Disney’s senior vice president of public affairs, which tells the firm’s managers that “On July 1, a new Florida law will go into effect that will allow employees with a conceal-and-carry permit to have a weapon in their vehicle at their place of employment.
“This law does not apply to Walt Disney World Co. owned and leased properties due to an exemption. This includes all theme parks, resorts, theme park and resort parking lots, Cast Member parking lots, administrative offices across the Walt Disney World Resort, Downtown Disney, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, hotels on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Celebration and the Disney Reservation Centers (Orlando and Tampa).”
The memo continued, “Cast Members will continue to be prohibited from removing a weapon from their vehicle while at work. All Cast Members must comply with the gun policies in effect at the location they are visiting, regardless of where they work. For example, Disney’s Vero Beach Cast Members must comply with the gun policies at a Walt Disney World Co. theme park when visiting that location.”
“Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, ammunition, weapons or other similar items on Walt Disney World Co. owned or leased property is grounds for termination (as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual).”
“A lawsuit filed by the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Retail Federation to repeal the law is under review, and we are hopeful it will be overturned by mid-July. We support the ongoing efforts of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Retail Federation to challenge the legislation”.
