Gun rights activists square off with Royal Oak over 'no guns' policy at Arts, Beats, and Eats

Gun rights activists square off with Royal Oak over 'no guns' policy at Arts, Beats, and Eats

August 10, 2:57 AM

Gun rights activists filled the Royal Oak city council chambers last night in the latest protest against the ban on firearms at the upcoming Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival.

Arts, Beats, and Eats, formerly held in Pontiac, will be held in Royal Oak for the first time this Labor Day weekend from Friday, Sept 3 until Monday, Sept 6. The festival includes an art show, live performances, food concessions, and venues where alcohol will be served for on-site consumption.

Local gun rights activists have attended the last three Royal Oak city meetings to bring attention to what they believe is unlawful firearms ban.

The controversy is over a “no-firearms allowed” clause in the contract between The City of Royal Oak, the site of the festival, and the private Arts, Beats, and Eats, Inc. (ABE) company contracted to run the festival.

The Michigan Firearms Preemption Act 319 of 1990 act bars cities or other local units of government from enacting or enforcing any firearms laws stricter then state law. Among other things, this prevents cities from banning firearms from city owned property such as buildings, public streets, or city parks.

Gun rights activists claim the agreement between the city and ABE banning firearms is illegal and unenforceable due to the firearms preemption law. The city disagrees, but has instructed the city attorney to review the matter. A decision as to whether the contract might be changed could be announced as early as next week.