California is not an open-carry state. But for four days in July, cosplayers at Comic-Con bear all kinds of fantasy arms.
Not relying on Guardians of the Galaxy to keep the Convention Center safe, San Diego police and event security are forgiving of some props, but event policy is clear.
“Security guards [take] a close look at weapons that accompany many of the elaborate outfits convention-goers piece together,” said The San Diego Union-Tribune. “Anything that looks too real will be tagged, noting it has been found harmless, which has been the protocol in previous years.”
And people with realistic weapons will also be asked to wear a wristband, the paper said.
The official Comic-Con policy is spelled out thusly:
No functional props or weapons are allowed at Comic-Con. Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as a part of your costume, subject to prior approval by security and compliance with the following:
- All costume props and weapons must be inspected at the Costume Props Desk, located near the outside door in the lobby of Hall E.
- All costume props and weapons must conform to state and federal law.
- Projectile costume props and weapons must be rendered inoperable.
- Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip-tied to a quiver.
- Costume swords must be tied to your costume in such a way that they can’t be drawn.
- Costumes featuring stilts must be approved at the Costume Props Desk.
- At certain times, due to crowds and safety issues, people in oversized costumes may be asked to leave the Exhibit Hall.
- After your costume props have been checked, they will be tagged by security, and you will be given a wristband to wear to designate that your props have been checked.
- Security will escort you to the Costume Props Desk for inspection if your costume prop is not tagged.
- If you do not want to have your costume props inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies, please do not bring your costume props to Comic-Con. All costume props and weapons must be inspected at the Costume Props Desk.
