Opposition takes aim at theater safety policy

BONNERS FERRY — Opposition is rising to the Pearl Theater’s new safety policy.

The policy is specific to the prohibition of weaponry on the theater’s premises.

According to The Pearl Theater’s website, it states, “The Board of the Pearl Theater recently adopted a safety policy prohibiting weapons on premises. The action was taken to ensure the safety of performers and guests, and to reduce liability. The action was taken upon advice from The Pearl’s insurance carrier, and after consultation with local law enforcement and legal counsel.”

The Pearl Theater Board’s online statement also contained this comment by Bonners Ferry Police Chief Brian Zimmerman who said, “The Pearl Theater is a private entity and it is the Board’s right to make that decision. I support their choice. They serve alcohol, and in my experience, alcohol and weapons are never a good mix.”

Reaction, in turn, has been mixed.

“As far as The Pearl Theater goes, I am with [Police Chief] Brian Zimmerman,” said Gary Leonard Committee Chair of Bob Manley’s Friends of the NRA. “They have the right to exclude weapons.”

Leonard, a former fire chief, suggests that those in opposition think about taking their business elsewhere.

“It is pure and simple, a political statement,” he said. “If people don’t want to go there, they don’t have to go there.”

Longtime Boundary County resident Jeff Avery said the theater’s decision, given the politics of the area they are in, “is very foolish.”

“North Idaho is a very conservative and pro Second Amendment region, and infringement on the right to keep and bear arms always draws a strong reaction, regardless of the source,” he said.

Given the voter turnout and history of voting in Idaho, there appears to be a large amount of Second Amendment supporters within the state who come out to defend moves in which would inhibit this constitutional right.

“This decision may well run them out of business,” Avery said. “I’m hoping the board comes to their senses and can see the damage they are doing to The Pearl.”

“I’ve lived all over the world, have you felt safer in any other town?” said Eustice Klokwerker of Boundary County. “When you walk into Super 1, everyone is carrying; safest place on Earth.”

“I wouldn’t touch a venue where I couldn’t carry and where law-abiding citizens can’t carry,” said Klokwerker, a musician by trade. “I don’t like being a sitting duck.”

As of this date, no information can be found on any gun or weapons related incidents that may have happened within The Pearl Theater.

“I am not aware of any gun-related calls there at all, the entire time I’ve lived here in Boundary County,” said Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer.