Weapons Policy

AnimeFest understands that carrying props and replicas is important to many fans as part of the convention experience. Fans of prop weapons, or other items permitted below, use and carry them at their own risk and assume all risks of liability to and from anyone injured or otherwise harmed directly or indirectly by the fans acts or inaction. AnimeFest shall not be liable for injury, harm, damage, or other liability associated with any person’s use of any weapon, permitted, or banned, at AnimeFest events.

We the Security and Management of AnimeFest appreciate the time and effort put into the creation of your costumes, props, and replica weapon-like items, and understands that non-working replica, prop, and imitation “weapons” are often a part of anime costuming. To ensure the Safety of all those attending the AnimeFest events, we maintain this strict Weapons Policy. It is imperative that costume “weapons” comply with this policy and with local, state, and federal laws. This policy is not a summary of the laws nor does this policy constitute legal advice. You are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws.

These AnimeFest policies are enforced at all times. Anyone found to be carrying, brandishing, or have in their possession, any working weapon or firearm at any location associated with the convention will be immediately expelled without refund and the offender may be reported to the authorities.

1. Brandishing any weapon-like item is NOT permissible. Brandishing is defined as drawing, exhibiting, or using any weapon whatsoever in a rude, angry, or threatening, manner or using a weapon in any fight or quarrel. AnimeFest Staff, and Hotel Security are empowered to determine whether a particular act constitutes “Brandishing” in their sole and absolute discretion. Even foam weapons can injure others and create unsafe situations. Anyone brandishing a weapon-like item in an unsafe manner will be told to remove it from the convention spaces. However, you are allowed to pose with a weapon-like item in a brandishing manner so long as no reasonable person would interpret the pose as anything but safe and no real threat.
2. You may not carry or possess any working weapon, openly or concealed, AT ANY TIME or around the convention spaces. Working weapons, firearms, curio or relic to include antique firearms, and all forms of ammunition are strictly forbidden.
3. Even items that may be legal to carry such as small knives or stun guns are not welcome at AnimeFest. Please leave them at home.
4. The following restrictions are placed on the display and sale of metal weapons at the convention:
   • They may not be handled, even for examination, by a member of the convention at the hotel.
   • They must be displayed in a manner in which convention members are unable to touch any sharp edges. This typically means they must be peace bonded or in a display case.
   • They are not allowed to be swung, jabbed, thrust or actively used by anyone, including the merchant, within the hotel.
   • They may not be picked up by the purchaser until after noon on Monday. If the purchaser is unable to return for the merchandise on Monday, shipping or store pickup must be arranged. Security and dealer room staff will assist with purchase pickup on Monday afternoon. A valid Monday membership is not required, but you will need to be escorted by a staff member if you don’t have one.
   • They must be packaged in a sealed carton and the purchaser must be informed not to open the packaging until they have left the hotel.

   Note: If you don’t like these rules please consider going to one of the dozen regional gun & knife shows instead. AnimeFest is an anime convention.

5. The possession and sale of replica firearms is restricted in the city of Dallas per a 2007 city ordinance. The ordinance has not been posted to the city's web site yet, but is available within the May 23rd 2007, city council meeting agenda (final addendum pages 23-27). Replica firearms and their usage must comply with the city ordinance. "Air Soft", water guns, squirt guns, and any toy that is capable of actually firing a projectile, liquid, or object of any type are not allowed.
   
   Dallas City Council Agenda, May 23rd 2007 - Final Addendum
   
   
6. Futuristic Replicas and fake period weapons may be displayed as long they are recognizable as obvious fakes.