It appears that everyone on the forum thinks you should get a permit.

In case nobody has mentioned it, get a permit.

For a little bit of CYA and for the education from taking the course. well worth it IMHO.

Can I pile on here

Get a permit,

But if you don't, spend a little time with the case law:

State of MN v Poupard, it clarifies the law, but if you meet a cop who is not educated, you will in all probability be spending some time at "His Office" while you find a lawyer to educate the fine upstanding public servant.

It's much easier to get a permit.

Get a permit?

sheesh...that was kinda fun!

Oh yea, that was hilarious...I appreciate the info.

Signing up for the class after Christmas....to get my permit. But for the time being I need to make sure I'm safe without it...both from the bad guys and the cops who don't take the time to actually understand(or even know) the laws that they enforce...though MPLS cops have never had to enter my establishment so they'd have no reason to find out I don't have a permit.
As far as carrying to/from work, I haven't done it...I just make sure my car is warmed up and ready to go when I leave the store so I don't have to waste any more time in the alley than I have to. I don't carry otherwise because at this point(though I'd like to carry 24/7 and will once I have the permit)I mainly need it at work.

Last week I had a group of 5 younger guys come in after midnight and wander around...I realized that they were "casing" the place. I've seen a couple of them before and they have never purchased anything and have tried switching price tags.
After work I couldn't get my car started and had a couple guys from one of the other businesses help me out. Took about 15 minutes to get my car going and in that time we had 4 different guys come up to us for money and to "help us out". Next time I may not have two other people there with me.

Dont wait for christmas, and park where you can watch your car or get camera's on it. a old trick of BG"S is to disable a car they have a pretty good idea is going to have something of value riding in, and then show up when it wont start or the tire needs changing.

If you do go out and find it deader than dead or a flat on a good tire, retreat quickly to a place of security.


oh yeah, get that permit.

Thanks for the tips 1911fan. We work closely enough with the few businesses that stay open late down there to have eyes on our cars(a few cameras and physical checks) throughout the night and, like I said, I make sure my car is warm and ready to go(functioning) before locking up the back door...quick retreat if need be.
For the time being I keep a copy of that particular statute in my wallet in case any inquisitive law enforcement officers happen to wander by.