Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 59.1 a chapter numbered 52, consisting of a section numbered 59.1-571, as follows:
§59.1-571. Required posting of signs relating to firearms policy by restaurants and retail establishments.
A. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Proprietor" means the owner, lessee, or other person that ultimately controls the activities within a restaurant or retail facility. The term "proprietor" includes corporations, associations, or partnerships as well as individuals.
"Restaurant" means any place where food is prepared for service to the public on or off the premises.
"Retail establishment" means a business location of 15,000 square feet or more serving the general public, including, but not limited to, department stores, grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, and shoe stores.
B. If a retail establishment or restaurant has allowed a policy of carrying firearms onto the premises, the proprietor or other person in charge of the retail establishment or restaurant shall post in an appropriate place, in a clear, conspicuous, and sufficient manner, a "Firearms Permitted" sign. Any person failing to post such sign shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.
C. Such civil penalty shall be collected by the attorney for the Commonwealth for the locality where the violation occurred, and the proceeds shall be deposited into the Literary Fund.