Tenn. Lawmakers OK Guns In Bars

State Senate Overrides Governor's Veto; 37 States Have Similar Laws

(AP)  Handguns will soon be allowed in bars and restaurants in Tennessee under a new law passed by state legislators who voted to override the governor's veto.

The legislation that takes effect July 14 retains an existing ban on consuming alcohol while carrying a handgun, and restaurant owners can still opt to ban weapons from their establishments.

Thirty-seven other states have similar laws.

The state Senate voted 21-9 on Thursday against Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen's veto, a day after the House also voted 69-27 to override.

They overrode critics, including Bredesen, who said it's a bad idea to have guns and alcohol in close proximity.

Democratic Sen. Doug Jackson, the main sponsor of the bill, said state Safety Department records show handgun permit holders in Tennessee are responsible.

Of the roughly 218,000 handgun permit holders in Tennessee, 278 had their permits revoked last year, records show. Since 2005, state records shows nearly 1,200 people have lost their permits.

Revocations are issued for felony convictions, while permits can be suspended for pending criminal charges or for court orders of protection.

Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, was the only senator to speak against overriding the veto Thursday.

“I believe that we should follow the governor and rethink what we have done,” he said.

The law, which was supported by the National Rifle Association, has been successful in other states, its chief lobbyist said.

“Of those 37 states, not one state has attempted to repeal or amend those statutes because they've been successful,” Chris Cox said.

Bredesen spokeswoman Lydia Lenker said after Wednesday's House vote that the Democratic governor expected an override when he vetoed the legislation last week.

Following Thursday's Senate vote, Bredesen, who is a gun owner and hunter, reiterated his stance to reporters.

“I still think I'm right,” he said. “I still think that guns in bars is a very bad idea. It's an invitation to a disaster.”

[lost_america]

Hey, I live in Memphis and have CC Permit. It's nice to know I can go to Applebee?s now, have dinner and not have to leave my Glock in the car.

If history holds true the stats of gun crime in bars will not change. Those who do these things do not trouble themselves with a permit.

For me, if it is a place that I feel I might need a gun, I don't go there anyway. Most CC holders I know feel the same way. The last thing any of us want to do is shoot someone.

Any establishment however can place a simple sign on the door and my right to carry in that place is revoked.

The truth is, gun crime by CC permit holders is so rare it boarders on non existent.

[native_warrior_USMC]

I guess I should clarify myself. When I said that people who carry a handgun are more responsible, that was incorrect. What I should have said was "people who have a concealed carry permit/license are more responsible." And if you would've read the entire post, you might've been able to figure that out on you own. But, hey, not everyone is smart so I don't hold it against you. And as far as the Stats go, all it takes is a little research and some simple math to figure it out. So if you really want to know, instead of ASSuming, quit twittering for ten minutes and actually do something productive with your life and go look it up. And make sure you get some help for the simple math.

[G27SEATTLE]

This a recipe for DISASTER! No doubt in my mind.
I'm a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) holder in Seattle. I rarely ever drink and if i do, i DON'T go to bars...especially if i'm driving alone. Yes, i'm boring but i wanna be a responsible gun owner.
Being impaired (alcohol, illegal drugs, medication,etc.) and guns just don't mix very well.
Good luck to that gun owner entering a bar.

[npkppprc]

Good idea lets go back to the Wild West days and have gunfights outside in the street. Never mind they still do it. Hey warrior where did you get your B.S, stats? Gangbangers carry guns how responsible are they? Just because you can get a CCW doesn't mean you are any more responsible than anyone else especially in a bar drinking.

[ToolMangler1]

Posted by erasmus111 at 9:11 PM : Jun 5, 2009


I use to tend bar, and carried a gun, But I don't drink (alcoholic beverages) So your kinda out on a limb here Ma'am ( I also played Billiards (pool) and still do).

[Dgunner]

This one be ok with me if i lived in tennesee. Here in oklahoma we consider every one armed. Since make my day law in 1997 . Home burglaries down 85%. Felony assaults down 90%. Criminal tresspassing neraly unheard of now.Crossing or running down a four foot five strand barbed or fence of any fixed fashion give the citizens right to blow you away. Carjacking nearly obsolete. You can't carry in a bar here not even the bar owner. Most bars that are trouble spots are closed or burned out. Laugh if you want you still can't have my weapon EVER!

[erasmus111]

If a citizen can carry a gun with them everywhere else they go, why not at a bar or restaurant if they are not drinking?

Posted by gunownerdan at 8:46 AM : Jun 5, 2009

So tell me, gunownerdan, how many people do you think go to a bar and don't drink?

[scyouth]

Posted by native_warrior_USMC

So I guess all those guys who blow away their wife and/or kids or the cops knocking at the door are sober hunh? And what the hell is 5x more responsible? Pretty much everyone who uses a gun is or was carrying a concealed weapon, and just because you got a liscence to do so does NOT make me feel any better. I just suggest the next time you play pool in TN you lose on purpose just in case your opponent gets pissed when he gets beat.

God; guns in bars - how ******* stupid.

[native_warrior_USMC]

People continue to amaze me with their stupidity and lack of a thought process. Why is it the people think that those who carry a handgun into a bar all of a sudden be come some raging gun-waving lunitic? Do they not realize that these are the same people who, suprise suprise, DRINK AT HOME WHERE THEY HAVE ALL THEIR WEAPONS????? Don't you think that if these people would have become drunken raging lunitics sooner seeings as how the is no law forbading then from drinking at there home WHERE GUNS ARE??????? People who carry a handgun are statistically 5X more responsible than those that do not. Don't believe me? Look up the stats on how many people with concealed carry permits commit a violent crime VS. those with no concealed carry permit. Actually look something up for once instead of just jumping on the bandwagon.

[MiddleClassWorker]

What could possibly go wrong?