I know that right now I’m preaching to a room full of people who care more about the music than the laws that apply to enjoying it, but this post is all about how to walk the line legally while you’re rockin’ out. I don’t need to tell you about how great the live music scene in Kansas is, and no one wants to hear the history anyway. No, what you want to know about are KS knife laws and what they mean to you as you’re heading into the dark, sweaty, crowded world of a Kansas concert or show.
So here’s the deal, Kansas knife law isn’t going anywhere, and if you’ll follow along I’ll make sure you’re not caught up in its web during your next concert.
There are a number of factors that determine the legality of knives and other weapons at live music venues. For example, all clubs located on or near University property have very strict security policies that involve checking bags as well as metal detectors. While some clubs will simply turn patrons away if they’ve got banned items on their person, most venues in the state rely on university security to keep the peace. This relationship between clubs and universities means that venues hold themselves to high standards in relation to security and safety and thus require that all attendees be searched thoroughly before entering a show. In these cases, security personnel are instructed to confiscate any illegal weapons and fight those attempting to carry them in head on. The result is that you don’t want to mess around and test these dudes at the door. The law is on their side and you will be tossed.
So what type of weapons are considered illegal? KS law defines weapons too broadly to cover this topic thoroughly, but I can give you a quick overview of what qualifies as legal, prohibited, and even illegal for you to take to your next concert.
Recently, I’ve heard of a club here in Lawrence that has been ticketing attendees for possession of knives that are legal under KS knife laws. Specifically, I’ve been told that they’re busting people for folding knives that are 4 inches or longer with fixed blades. Technically, these blades are legal according to what the statute actually says: that the blades must be over 4 inches and non-folding. What I’m saying is, this club is not following KS knife law and instead enforcing its own internal security policies. The moral of the story is to pay close attention to and abide by all posted venue policies and to use common sense when leaving your house to see a show.
The law, of course, has an impact on both fans and performers. Imagine performing to a crowd of fans that are poised with long-ass blades and guns hidden in their waistbands. Obviously, that’s no way to go into a show. Better to have everyone clear out their bags and get checked than to start a riot over a multi-purpose tool with a longer than allowed blade, am I right?
It’s true that a number of traditional knives are legal under the KS knife statutes and that a large number of fans carry them throughout the state to concert venues; this is why I’m going to take a moment to clarify just what qualifies as legal at all.
According to KS knife laws, it’s illegal for someone to carry or conceal knives on their person…unless:
I mean, of course you’re going to pack a knife before your next punk concert. That’s basically a given. Just avoid the obvious BS that these venues are getting ticketed for enforcing: come out to the show armed with a multi-tool.
I’m tired of going to jail for stupid knife law violations! Though I appreciate the sentiment, Kansas knife laws are going nowhere, and if you need a refresher on where you stand under the law, stop by my page on KS knife law for more info on how to stay safe while out on the town. Or, maybe I should just say common sense will likely clear you for a night out without issue. After all, no one wants to miss your favorite artist.
For more information on knife laws, you can visit Wikipedia.
