Guns in bars bill goes to governor

by Bob McClay/KTAR (July 1st, 2009 @ 3:35pm)

Policy >>

Comments:3

PHOENIX - Arizona bar and restaurant owners are waiting to see if Governor Jan Brewer signs the bill that would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a gun into a restaurant or bar.

Marc Peagler, who owns the Silver Spur Saloon in Cave Creek, is all for the bill.

"I favor the law because there are examples all across the United States of concealed carry laws doing more good than harm, by leaps and bounds," Peagler told KTAR.

However, Eileen Conners of Larry's Cocktails says guns don't belong in bars.

"When you're in a bar, your're supposed to be out having fun, so leave the gun at home," Conners told KTAR.

The governor has been a supporter of gun rights, but has not yet said whether she'll sign the bill.

Under the law, gun carriers wouldn't be allowed to drink and they must have a concealed weapon's permit to bring a gun into a bar or restaurant.

Last 2 Comments

• 0 Reply Abuse Vote

  Concealed Weapon's Bill

  PSR

  All of the fuss is centered on guns in bars. “Drunks and guns, what a terrible combination!” Wake up Chicken Little. As a concealed weapons permit holder, I continually leave my gun behind solely because of my destination. Where am I going you ask? …to the airport to catch a flight, …or to the bank to refinance my mortgage? Nope, I leave the concealed weapon behind because I’m going to dinner with my family. I frequent restaurants such as Red Robin, Venezia’s, Roberto’s, Joe’s Crab Shack and Olive Garden. So why am I unarmed for such a casual dinner? Some restaurants don’t have restrictions on concealed handguns, but all of the previously mentioned locations have one thing in common; they serve alcohol. I don’t drink alcohol, but because of this beverage I walk into these, and many other locations unarmed. As a responsible, law-abiding citizen I should be able to protect my wife and my two-year-old son in all situations. Unfortunately, due to current gun/alcohol laws I may end up shot, robbed, car-jacked or killed with a CCW permit in my pocket, but no weapon in hand. I am very pleased to see such a bill go before the Governor. This bill will allow law-abiding citizens to have personal protection within arm’s reach. Yet You still fret over the notion of concealed weapons in common areas. Once again, wake up! Concealed weapons are already in such “unauthorized” locations, but it’s not the law-abiding citizens who are in possession. So enjoy your drink with dinner; in the very near future I'll be sitting nearby with comfort within arm's reach too.

  24908
• 0 Reply Abuse Vote

  It's about time this bill became a law.

  WakeUpPeople

  Restaurants are divided into 2 categories - those that serve alcoholic beverages and those that do not. I want to be able to go into any dining establishment without concern about removing my legally concealed firearm, except for those that post a sign prohibiting guns. I am more likely to patronize a gun-friendly restaurant. Guns are part of our society; they cannot be "uninvented". We need to empower law-abiding citizens as a deterrent against criminals.

  24732
• Read More Comments