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New App Wants to Draw Distinctive Line Between Gun-Free and Gun-Friendly Zones

Mar. 21, 2013 7:00pm Liz Klimas

Editor’s note: this story has been updated with more information about the app from its creator.

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It’s not a new concept for people to want to support businesses who adhere to a similar belief. As an example, remember Chick-fil-A appreciation day or those who boycotted the fast food restaurant due to its stance on gay marriage?

A relatively new app follows a similar idea. The point of contention? Gun ownership.

Gun Free Zone App Shows Where Carrying Firearms Is Allowed or Not

The Gun Free Zone app identifies areas where guns are welcome and where they’re not. (Image: Google Play/Gun Free Zone App)

The free “Gun Free Zone” app was released last month for Android, Apple and Amazon devices, claiming to identify the “nearest 20 commercial locations, including businesses, churches and schools, as either firearm friendly or gun free.” Establishments are tagged as either one or the other by users.

The purpose of the app, according to its website, is to allow users to “report and find Gun Free Zones throughout the United States.”

“Whether you want to shop in gun free zones as often as possible or avoid them altogether, this app will help you shop, play, and do business with like-minded people,” the website states. As the app’s press release puts it, it lets users “vote with their wallets.”

(Image: Google Play/Gun Free Zone App)

The app creators say it is not pushing a specific political agenda but is simply providing information. At the time of the press release being issued Monday, creators boasted more than 3,000 people having downloaded it and identifying 10,000 locations. By Friday, the app had more than 11,000 users and up to 25,000 marked locations.

App creator John Peden said in a statement the app would mark “every commercial location in the country [...] allowing people to stay compliant with their state’s gun laws and also effectively support or boycott businesses according to which side of the gun coin they are on.”

“Guns are a hot topic and emotions run deep,” app developer and founder Karl Hale said in a statement. “Activists on both sides of the firearms debate want a way to share their opinions and make their voices heard.”

The Daily Herald in Utah reported Gary Sackett with the Utah Gun Violence Prevention Center saying he thinks the app will only serve to show gun activists where they can gather.

“It is not something that is designed to increase public safety if it is to encourage people to head off to the nearest watering hole that might be gun-friendly,” Sackett said.

But the same could be said of the app being used by pro-gun control advocates. The app could identify areas where they might want to protest.

It’s similar in a way to the New York paper that published the names and addresses of legal pistol holders in the area, which drew criticism from gun owners and resulted in backlash against the paper.

Utah business owner Rich Lewis though told WTVR that the app is useful in that it can show where “it’s responsible not to carry a gun.”

Peden, in an email to TheBlaze, explained that an establishment marked as gun-free or gun-friendly is not an official legal designation.

“We only have the votes that are marked by users. If a user sees the No Firearms Allowed sign, they mark the store as such,” he wrote and noted that they don’t verify if a business is marked correctly or not either.

“If the business owner wants to lock the voting on their store, they contact us and provide proof of ownership, and we can lock the vote as either Gun Free, Firearm Friendly, or No Vote,” he continued. “The No Vote is if a business doesn’t want to participate in our app.”

So far, user feedback about the app itself is that it’s an idea people support but that its structure needs to be developed further.

Penden told TheBlaze of some of the updates planned for the app. One of them includes an alert that will signal when a person crosses into a gun free zone or a state that doesn’t allow concealed firearm carrying.

What’s more, he said they plan a future update to include overlaying other metrics on the map, including crime data, closing businesses, property values, vacancy rates and graffiti. These are things that Peden said might add to the picture of showing people the “real effects of a gun free zone.”

“I bet that if we can say, ‘That gun free zone sign in your front window makes it 8 percent more likely your business will shut down’ then the sign will be gone tomorrow morning,” Penden wrote.

Check out the Gun Free Zone app here.

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Featured image via Shutterstock.com.

(H/T: Daily Mail)

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

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Comments (72)

FeliciaJewel
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 5:53am
I will be shopping where you can have a gun. I will not be a sitting duck. I’ll take my chances with those that carry lawfully in comparison to those that get guns illegally. As we know, someone that wants to do harm will not show up where there would be opposition. While shopping, in the back of my mind, I will know I am far safer.

As far as the divide, I don’t think we can become more divided on the issue. Does this set up for further violence, it may. When you give a criminal a map to show where there are restrictions on guns, they will choose those places to inflict the most harm. When no one is there to stand, many will fall.

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- Cavallo
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 5:04pm
  It is also good to know ahead of time. It is extremely annoying to park and walk up to a business and have to turn away because they have a no firearms allowed sign. I try and respect the private property rights of the owners and take my business elsewhere. This will save time.
  
  Report this comment
- pbrenda51
  Posted on March 25, 2013 at 11:00am
  I will download it, not for the gun free part, but so I know where NOT to go or shop……..
  
  Report this comment
Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 4:12am
That’s pretty ingenious. Imagine the money the app can charge to remove your business from the “gun free zone list”

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piper60
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 3:57am
The people in the designated gun free zones had better start watching their backs. Isn’t that the type of place shooters gravitate towards for doing their crimes???

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- Stoic one
  Posted on March 23, 2013 at 4:11pm
  “shooters”.-.-.- you mean criminals, right?
  
  Report this comment
- bonesiii
  Posted on March 24, 2013 at 3:11am
  ““shooters”.-.-.- you mean criminals, right?”
  Generally any initiating “shooter” in your average grocery store or restaurant will be by definition a criminal. :P
  
  Report this comment
donkeykong
Posted on March 22, 2013 at 1:52am
OK, FINE! I say the developer of this app also take on the
responsibility of charting the number of murders, rapes, and
other violent crime in gun-free places they point out .vs. the
places that are not. Please report at least on a quarterly basis,
and put the results out on the net. We will be waiting.

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TH30PH1LUS
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 11:27pm
How about just having every gun owner affix a yellow cloth star to their clothing so as to be identified? (Sarcasm) This sort of labeling only serves to further divide a society filled with tension. Democrats are hellbent on dragging us into another civil war. This app is not helping IMO

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- Maji
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 1:01am
  Correction,
  Gun friendly and Kill zones!
  
  Report this comment
- Lord_Frostwind
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 1:17am
  Now now Maji, you should know better, the two are:
  
  1. Gun Friendly Zone
  
  2. Target Rich Environment
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 9:42am
  How is giving you the information to know who is gun friendly not a good thing? The pro-2nd Amendment community has many such databases that we use, and that we tell businesses about, and they’re quite useful. An app that calls a place “Firearms Friendly” is not one that is anti-gun.
  
  Report this comment
- b00giep0p
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 10:31am
  @TH30PH1LUS
  
  Instead of yellow stars on gun owners, how about red/white bulls-eyes on non-gun owners? :)
  
  Report this comment
noneed4govthelp
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 11:04pm
This will be a big help for me, to locate like minded people.You will start to recognize people after a while.

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mont1414r
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 10:20pm
now the thief’s will know were to go with out worrying about getting shot

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- Dan_o
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 10:38pm
  No doubt. The gun-free zones will be out of business for 2 reasons. 1)They will be robbed repeatedly, as will their patrons. 2)There are many times more supporters of the 2nd amendment than not.
  
  I kinda like it.
  
  Report this comment
MistyMountainGranny
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 9:17pm
Our Constitution does not say the right to bear arms unless there is a sign. A sign? What fool would believe a sign is going to save them. I’ll tell what fool. Anti-gun people are afraid of guns. They would rather leave the responsibility of self preservation with others. That is a fool. They will just say that the guns ending up in their gun free zones are coming from pro gun areas.

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- Fear is the passion of slaves
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 10:35pm
  If you believe in the constitution protecting your rights to bear arms then I would think you would recognize that the constitution also protects your rights to property. Property rights include the right to put up a sign that says no guns allowed. As stupid as I think it is to do such a thing, it is a person’s right to control his or her property. If you want to carry your gun, do it but not on someone’s property who has forbidden it. If you want your rights respected, you should probably respect the rights of others as well.
  
  Report this comment
- common_sense_donkeys
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 12:49am
  Dont have to obey the no gun signs in Missouri. You may still enter unless you are told to leave by a member of the staff. If after that that you remain on premise you can get into some issues… of course this doest apply to the normal restricted areas like govt, schools, stadiums and so on
  
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- MistyMountainGranny
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 3:38am
  @ Slave – Very well put and I agree with you about a persons property rights. If I can’t bring in my firearm it is my choice to take my business elsewhere. But it is a slippery slope is it not? Our 2nd amendment shall not be infringed. And with good reason. Yet, yes we do have property rights. and your right. I wouldn’t want anyone telling me what to do with my property. But my point really was that a sign does nothing to protect anybody. And I am tired of the anti-gun group trying to take my firearms because all they think they need is a sign or a gun free zone.
  
  Report this comment
AlaskaBob
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:55pm
We continue toward further polarization, now with two major geographical areas forming in the country. The first is the Home of the Free and Land of the Brave and the second , the home of the brie and land of the depraved. In the “Gun Free Zones” there will always be guns….just in the hands of two organizations… suppressive government and the criminal. The superficiality for “gun free” will often be broken by “gun crimes” that can never be eradicated despite the heaviest of control laws. The gun control states will blame the free states as a source of their gun crime problem such as New York’s constant accusations about other states. The gun control states will take on more and more the visage of Chicago or failed states like the PIIGS of Europe. Just be truthful on the apps…. when it says “gun free” report how much gun crime occurs in those areas.

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readyontheright
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:29pm
In this situation I will prefer to remain ignorant and just carry everywhere…as usual. That is my right after all.

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- Dan_o
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 11:01pm
  Actually, it’s not your right. Any business has the right of refusal for any reason. Your rights end when they infringe on another’s rights. Forcing a business to accept your patronage that doesn’t want guns on the property is the same as forcing a baker to bake cakes for gay couples weddings. That door swings both ways and no thanks.
  
  You do have the right to not visit such places, and where it’s not illegal, to go against their wishes, but you are asking for trouble.
  
  Report this comment
skippy6
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:25pm
Anyone notice the font being different on the blaze tonight?? Or is it just my computer???

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Eastinfection
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:24pm
Sounds suspiciously like segregation to me.

Does the App tell you where the gun owner water fountains are, too?

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- THX-1138
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 8:08am
  I sure hope so! (“Free Association”, Google it.)
  
  Report this comment
- WIGHTandRHITE
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 2:15pm
  @Eastinfect
  You beat me to it man dang!! Haha phenomenal!!!!
  
  Report this comment
GuruMeditation
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:12pm
Ain’t got no app. Don’t want no app.

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Bikkiboo
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:01pm
Just downloaded it even tho’ the reviews aren’t very good. We’ll see.

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FLAPrepper1
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:59pm
My company is a Gun-Friendly Zone.
I don’t give a rip if you come in with a ak-47 slung over your shoulder.
Now if you begin using said ak-47, I will be forced to return fire.

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smugdruggler
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:59pm
Problem is that anti-gun ******** will use the app to mark locations as gun-free zones, when they really are gun-friendly. Or, vice-versa, which could get gun-owners in trouble.

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- Bonnieblue2A
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 1:55am
  Is this your brain on drugs?
  
  Report this comment
cliKKer
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:56pm
Then the next App will overlay where crimes are committed. Shockingly…. for some strange reason Violent Crimes and over all Crime Rates INCREASE in the “Gun Free Zones” Watch the stories get robbed! MORONS

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Stelex
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:52pm
The constitution allows me to posses a gun. I do not observe gun free zones. And if the push comes I will shove and if I have to I will sit in jail. I am not a secondary citizen because I carry, I don’t have to go around schools and waste my time and effort, I will not be unarmed anywhere. Its a truly sad day when the soccer moms of the world write our laws. I say go to hell. My gun my life.

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The-Monk
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:49pm
What does it show for Chicago?

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- Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:01pm
  Hey Monk:
  It shows an intelligent free zone with scattered pockets of lunacy and a wide band of willful cowardess.
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:05pm
  Hi MONK … did you see my Carson reply? .. yes I know you live north of me ;-) .. but Carson on Beck said some gun ownerships could depend on where you live .. my question is why would you need a highpowered gun less in the big city? And have more rights in the rural .. not often I come upon a bear at my cottage in the woods .. but a thug in a city is a pretty good possibility.
  
  Report this comment
- Daniel4
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:09pm
  It shows a big bullseye with the caption “Target Rich Environment”. Now, if it would only run in the background and say “Danger, Will Robinson!” when you get anywhere near Chicago (or any other Target Rich” location, I’d buy it.
  
  Report this comment
Whiplash
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:34pm
Dittos Patriot! My money, like my firearms, will go to gun friendly establishments. Nice.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:30pm
The entire United States is a gun friendly zone and it was created by our founding fathers,men who were geniuses. It’s only in the last century with congresses filled with intellectually inferior people is when the problem started. They’ve perverted the constitution to the point where they have people believing we don’t have a right to own any firearm we choose to purchase. They claim we have a ‘right’ to a house a job,food and ‘free’ health care,all of which is BS but people with limited intelligence actually believe we have those so called ‘rights’,pathetic.

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- skippy6
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:23pm
  It’s only in the last century with congresses filled with intellectually inferior people is when the problem started.
  
  Correct!!! A good start to end at least part of the problem would be term limits…. Time to put an end to career politicians…Of course the 22nd amendment may be repealed before barrys term is up….
  
  Report this comment
- THX-1138
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 8:16am
  Our government is a reflection of the society that elected, and continues to tolerate, it.
  
  “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
  - Pogo
  
  Report this comment
Dkoonz
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:28pm
Well now the thugs will no where to go for the easy targeting.

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Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:20pm
I would love to overlay in a year, how many gun-free zones have been robbed versus the gun friendly areas. That may help prove the whole gun debate.

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- The-Monk
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:06pm
  Me too Darmok….
  
  if any of this can be trusted. : (
  
  Report this comment
- AquamanSucks
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:10pm
  Monk
  
  I wonder if anyone can flush out wango? lol
  
  Report this comment
- BARRYS_BEARD
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:25pm
  I flushed a WANGO this morning just before I took a shower. In fact, I do it every morning.
  
  Report this comment
ltb
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:18pm
I know everyone else who has a triple digit IQ immediately made this connection, but I’m guessing a lot of criminals will be downloading this app.

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- DORA_GASBAG
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:37pm
  An IQ? That leaves me out.
  
  Now where’s my drinky drink?
  
  Report this comment
- Charles_Almon
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:04pm
  Hi Mommy, do you want the usual Segrams and 7?
  
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Patriot Z
Posted on March 21, 2013 at 7:10pm
i like it. information is power

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- GuruMeditation
  Posted on March 21, 2013 at 8:13pm
  Surely you’ve heard of dis info.
  
  Report this comment
- THX-1138
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 8:18am
  @GuruMeditation
  
  Sure he has, because he understands that, say it with me, information is power.
  
  Report this comment
- GuruMeditation
  Posted on March 22, 2013 at 9:15am
  It’s not necessarily when you’re relying on a cell app and YOU don’t control the info you receive while also supplying info (freely giving “power” to others you don’t know) about yourself everywhere you go. You pups can keep your cell phone apps.
  
  Report this comment

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