The State Fair of Texas is banning guns at this year’s event. Here’s why

The State Fair of Texas is changing its firearm policy for this year’s festivities.

Fair officials announced Thursday that guns are prohibited at this year’s event, which runs from Sept. 27. to Oct. 20 at Dallas’ Fair Park. Previously, the state fair allowed attendees to conceal carry handguns.

The policy change comes after three people were shot on the fairgrounds at last year’s event. All three people sustained non-life threatening injuries and the suspect was arrested by Dallas police.

So, what does the firearm change mean for this year’s State Fair of Texas? Here’s what to know:

Can people with concealed carry licenses have guns at State Fair of Texas?

Yes, all firearms are banned from the State Fair of Texas for this year’s event.

Even if the person has a license to carry or concealed carry license, they are prohibited from entering the fairgrounds with a firearm, fair officials said. This also includes Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Since the fair is a private, not-for-profit organization, they are allowed to prohibit firearms, per Texas law.

The only people allowed to carry firearms at the State Fair of Texas this year are police officers.

How will the State Fair of Texas enforce the new policy?

Fair officials said they’re working “diligently with its security partners” to enforce the firearm policy change.

In addition to increased training for security members, the fair has made “significant financial investments” in its weapon detection system — OpenGate.

OpenGate’s systems scan for metal threats, such as guns and knives in backpacks, purses, and bags, without security personnel having to take the bags from guests. Unlike metal detectors, OpenGate doesn’t require any mechanica l or electrical connection between its two freestanding pillars, according to device creator CEIA.

The State Fair of Texas implemented the OpenGate system for the first time last year.

What other weapons are banned from the State Fair of Texas?

Beyond firearms, the State Fair of Texas also prohibits these weapons:

• Knives with blades over 5.5 inches
• Clubs
• Explosive devices
• Ammunition
• Chemical dispensing devices
• Weapon replicas