PROPS & WEAPONS POLICY

PROPS & WEAPONS POLICY

SAFETY FIRST! All props, prop weapons, and replica weapons used as props MUST be carried safely to ensure the safety and comfort of staff, guests, and other attendees. 

We reserve the right to disallow any prop or replica weapon at our discretion. Refusal to comply will result in your removal from the premises.

By attending any activities, you’ve OBVIOUSLY read all of our policies and instructions and have agreed to them! That makes you a super cool person who understands that you, as an attendee, assume all responsibility for complying with any laws or legal restrictions imposed by the local governance, our venue, or our staff.

Now onto the big guns – literally.

Firearms

Prop, Curio, Replica, and Toy Firearms

  • No functioning prop, curio, replica, or toy capable of firing a projectile, explosive cap or blank cartridge will be allowed.
    • Airsoft, Nerf and Paintball weapons must be disabled and no air puffs or other discharge should be detected on testing.
    • Tampering with any toy or replica weapon with the intent or the appearance of intent to restore functionality is grounds for removal from the premises.
    • It is ILLEGAL to black out or remove a blaze orange tip from any toy or replica weapon so equipped.
  • Prop, model, or replica firearms, once approved, must remain holstered, slung or stowed unless posing for pictures.
  • Under NO circumstances may any prop, toy or replica firearm be pointed at attendees or staff. Violators are subject to charges of “Disorderly Conduct”.

Carry of Firearms

The carry of firearms has the following restrictions:

  • No open carry of a handgun (or long gun) is permitted while in cosplay.
  • Any firearm carried must be holstered, whether it is concealed or not.
  • Failing to follow this provision can result in removal from the event or charges of disorderly conduct.
  • Realistic prop handguns are not allowed.

It is the responsibility of the firearm holder (hint – that’s you!) to follow all laws and to obey all lawful postings as many of our surrounding businesses may have additional legal restrictions beyond the scope of this policy.  

If you have a “realistic” looking prop or model, we’re genuinely amazed at your talent! However, it should be understood that you still will be subject to inspection by our staff or law enforcement.

Oh? Did you get previous approval at another event or venue? Awesome, but we are going to check too.  Approval at one location or event does not mean you have approval everywhere!

Props and Prop Weapons Overview

  • Props are defined as any item carried as part of a cosplay not designed to represent a weapon and carried as an augmentation to the costume.
  • Prop weapons are inert items that are designed to appear as a weapon either fantastic or realistic. Prop weapons do not include actual weapons whether or not they are authorized or peace-bonded.
  • Staffs, canes, shepherd hooks, or any pole-type props must be carried in a vertical position whenever moving through any event space.
  • If posing for photos in the open or at an event, it is your responsibility to ensure there is ample room to safely execute the pose.
  • Oversized props MAY be directed to weapons check at the discretion of staff to ensure you understand safe handling practices.
  • Abrupt edges or points on rigid or semi-rigid props need to be rounded either by shaping or the addition of some type of point covering.
  • Prop arrows and bolts must not have any type of rigid or sharpened head and should never be nocked (placed on string as if to fire).
  • Bows must be carried either unstrung or with the bowstring peace-tied to prevent drawing.
  • Crossbows must be unstrung OR have the Nut (Rolling Release), Retention Spring or Latch removed AND be peace-tied to prevent the drawing of the string.
  • NO bubble guns are permitted.  Bear in mind that some folks are dangerously allergic to the chemicals often present in soap bubbles or many similar fluids. 
  • Squirt guns must be empty and the trigger disabled (bound).

Bladed Weapons

  • Metallic, ceramic or otherwise rigid shuriken, other throwing blades, chain whips, et al can only be used with cosplay if affixed to the costume or armor in such a manner as to not be readily removed.
    • No exposed points or edges are allowed if a chance for incidental contact exists.
    • Replicas (foam rubber, plastic, etc.) may be carried without affixing to the costume.
    • We know you’re excited to show off your gear, but displays of skill or flourishes will result in a minimum of removal from the premises and may result in charges of disorderly conduct or worse.
  • “Live Steel” – including, but not limited to: Swords, Daggers, Battle Axes, and Knives, used as part of a costume, must be sheathed AND peace tied.
  • Removal of the weapon from the sheath (or the carry of an unsheathed weapon in this category) is dangerous and will be cause for removal from the premises and/or charges under the Penal Code for disorderly conduct or “carrying in a manner calculated to alarm”.
  • Approval to carry any steel weapon as part of a cosplay is solely at the discretion of our staff.  ANY weapon may be denied for any reason.
  • ALL realistic or “live steel” weapons must be inspected at weapons check stations and have a “safe” tag affixed. If law enforcement or any of our staff directs you to the weapons check station, it is your responsibility to comply IMMEDIATELY. 
  • All prop-bladed weapons must remain sheathed or belted except for allowed posing and cosplay events.
    • Any posing must be conducted in a safe and courteous manner to be allowed. Any wielding or handling other than posing or in cosplay events will be cause for removal and/or possible charges of disorderly conduct where appropriate.
    • No metal spears or halberds are allowed.

Blunt Force Prop Weapons

  • A “club” is defined as, “an instrument that is specially designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person.” Examples include:
    • Nightstick, Black Jack, Mace (Nunchaku, Flail, Morning Star, etc.)
    • Tomahawk (Battle Axes, Indian Club, etc.)
    • We don’t care how cool it looks, carrying a club or any blunt force weapons as described is illegal and WILL NOT be allowed into the event under ANY circumstances.
    • Prop, foam, practice, and lightweight replicas will be allowed provided:
      • They remain sheathed, belted, or stowed when moving through any event space.
      • Any posing/cosplay participation is conducted safely and courteously.
  • Any flourishes or wielding of prop blunt force weapons is cause for removal from the premises and/or subject to charges of disorderly conduct.

Weapons Check

Weapons check stations may be on the premises. Ask any staff member and they will direct you to the closest one. You are required to go to a weapons check station if asked by staff or if your costume includes any of the mandatory items below.

  • MANDATORY Check Items Include:
    • Realistic or formerly functioning prop, replica, or toy firearms.
    • Metal swords, bladed, or rigid (heavy) weapons.
    • Bows and (nonfunctioning) crossbows.
    • ANY replica, practice, or foam blunt force weapons, including bats, Nightsticks, Nunchaku, Mace, Chain Whip et al.
  • Items NOT Requiring Mandatory Checks Include:
    • Walking and Mage Staffs, Shepherd Crooks or Canes.
    • Obviously fantasy-based, inert, or harmless props, weapons, and firearms.
    • Training and Practice Firearms (Solid polymer and/or colored models).
    • Sports equipment that is carried as part of a cosplay.

ANY Prop or Weapon may be subjected to weapons check at the discretion of our staff or law enforcement personnel.

If you read this entire policy you are AWESOME! Thank you for reading. We hope you have a happy and safe experience!