The guns in bars debate in Tennessee gets prominent coverage in a recent New York Times article.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
It Was Bound To Happen
It was bound to happen, and fortunately, this Lynchburg VA gun permit holder shot himself and not any patrons.
"A Forest man who accidentally shot himself in the thigh with a concealed firearm Saturday night inside Waterstone Pizza on Jefferson Street has been charged with three misdemeanors.
Wayne Meredith Latham, 56, was charged with recklessly handling a firearm, willfully discharging a firearm in the city and carrying a concealed handgun in a restaurant after consuming alcohol.
Officer Mario Graves said that Latham did have a concealed weapon permit but officers believe he had been consuming alcohol.
Graves said patrons with a concealed firearm in a restaurant are not allowed to consume alcohol."
Read more.
"A Forest man who accidentally shot himself in the thigh with a concealed firearm Saturday night inside Waterstone Pizza on Jefferson Street has been charged with three misdemeanors.
Wayne Meredith Latham, 56, was charged with recklessly handling a firearm, willfully discharging a firearm in the city and carrying a concealed handgun in a restaurant after consuming alcohol.
Officer Mario Graves said that Latham did have a concealed weapon permit but officers believe he had been consuming alcohol.
Graves said patrons with a concealed firearm in a restaurant are not allowed to consume alcohol."
Read more.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Post Now or Guns Are Welcome
Tennessee's new gun carry permit law went into effect last month. Licensed carriers can bring guns into any place with a liquor license or beer permit, unless no guns signs are posted.
The new law allows banning guns with the posting of the circle gun slash sign. The sign must be plainly visible and posted on all public entrances.
We recommend posting signs at least 4 inches in diameter on all doors, including rear and side doors that are not supposed to be used by patrons. This is probably the safest approach to legally ban all guns, except law enforcement.
We recommend posting signs at least 4 inches in diameter on all doors, including rear and side doors that are not supposed to be used by patrons. This is probably the safest approach to legally ban all guns, except law enforcement.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Governor Vetoes Guns with Liquor Law
Saying that "guns and liquor don't mix," on Tuesday May 18, Governor Bredesen listened to Tennessee business owners and vetoed the new guns with liquor law. The new law would have allowed gun permit carriers to take their gun into any business that serves alcohol.
The bill passed both houses by a veto-proof margin, meaning that unless something has changed, the veto will be overridden by the legislature and become law. The original guns in bars bill was enacted over Bredesen's veto.
Sponsors say that the pending bill is the only way to fix the law that the court threw out as being unconstitutionally vague. The truth is that sponsors lack enough votes to do the right thing.
If legislators passed a law to create a bar license for liquor licensing, then they could allow guns in places licensed as restaurants, but not allow guns in places licensed as bars, sports venues and other places where guns do not belong. In an election year, it appears easier to pass a law that allows guns in any place where you can order a drink.
Look for more news as it becomes available.
The bill passed both houses by a veto-proof margin, meaning that unless something has changed, the veto will be overridden by the legislature and become law. The original guns in bars bill was enacted over Bredesen's veto.
Sponsors say that the pending bill is the only way to fix the law that the court threw out as being unconstitutionally vague. The truth is that sponsors lack enough votes to do the right thing.
If legislators passed a law to create a bar license for liquor licensing, then they could allow guns in places licensed as restaurants, but not allow guns in places licensed as bars, sports venues and other places where guns do not belong. In an election year, it appears easier to pass a law that allows guns in any place where you can order a drink.
Look for more news as it becomes available.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Brief Moment of Sanity
In the hours leading up to passage of the new guns with liquor law, the Tennessee Senate approved amendments that allow a restaurant or bar to opt out by posting the international circle and slash no gun sign.
The sign conveys a simple message to gun permit holders – leave your gun in the car. It is not a scary sign. It should not startle tourists at the door. It makes complete sense.
Previously, the law required posting a sign large enough to be “plainly visible to the average person entering the building” that said:
AS AUTHORIZED BY TCA § 39-17-1359, POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON POSTED PROPERTY OR IN A POSTED BUILDING IS PROHIBITED AND IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Many insiders believe the big ALL CAPS sign was intentionally required to deter restaurants and bars from opting out. Who would want to post a huge sign on the door with that message?
Although we would have preferred to prohibit guns with liquor entirely, we will settle for a reasonable opt out sign.
At this point, the law is on the governor’s desk. Check back for more updates.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Why Is Guns in Bars a Bad Idea?
Police and other trained law enforcement officers are welcome in restaurants and bars. Law enforcement are trained to use firearms in crowded public places. You need absolutely no such training to obtain a gun carry permit. That's the problem with allowing guns in bars.
A recent tragic incident reminds us of precisely why guns in bars is such a bad idea. Even trained law enforcement can make mistakes with guns.
The sad story involves a former father of a 2 year old that was accidentally shot by a police officer. On his way home from a late shift at work, the man was driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly hit a police officer. He apparently panicked, fled and crashed his car off the highway. With gun drawn, the officer made his way on foot to the car, but slipped on some loose rocks and accidentally fired his gun into the air. Another officer thought the father was shooting at the officer, and shot and killed the father. The unarmed father will never see his daughter again. The story is here.
Untrained citizens have no business carrying guns in crowded places like restaurants and bars.
A recent tragic incident reminds us of precisely why guns in bars is such a bad idea. Even trained law enforcement can make mistakes with guns.
The sad story involves a former father of a 2 year old that was accidentally shot by a police officer. On his way home from a late shift at work, the man was driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly hit a police officer. He apparently panicked, fled and crashed his car off the highway. With gun drawn, the officer made his way on foot to the car, but slipped on some loose rocks and accidentally fired his gun into the air. Another officer thought the father was shooting at the officer, and shot and killed the father. The unarmed father will never see his daughter again. The story is here.
Untrained citizens have no business carrying guns in crowded places like restaurants and bars.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Political Guns Games
Up on the Hill, where some Legislators are convinced that guns belong in our restaurants, bars and venues, end of the session politics is underway. In the House today (Tuesday April 27), the gun bill was deferred until Thursday.
Last week, the House bill was amended to require places that sell less than 50% food to post a sign saying guns could not be brought into the establishment. According to The Tennessean, the amendment was offered by Representative Tindell so legislators could "keep their word from a year ago, when they said they would deliver a bill that would allow guns in restaurants, but not bars." Read the story at The Tennessean.
Problem is, posting a sign that says you sell less than 50% food is a red flag to the Tennessee ABC that the business does not qualify for a liquor license. Contrary to popular belief, there are no bars under the Tennessee liquor laws. Only restaurants. Over the past few months, the ABC has been targeting bars that do not sell enough food, suspending licenses for 90 days. 90 days without liquor is pretty much a death sentence to most bars. Read more at my liquor and beer blog, Last Call.
Legislators seem to ignore two of the simplest improvements to the gun bill. One is to allow businesses to opt in. If a business owners wants to allow guns, the owner can post a sign. Gun carry proponents fear that too few sane business owners would welcome gun carriers into a place that serves alcohol.
The second simple improvement is to fix the opt out sign. Currently, the law requires posting a large wordy sign to ban guns. Everyone is familiar with universal red slash circle signs. The law could easily allow business owners to prohibit guns by posting the universal no gun symbol. But this would be way too easy.
Look for more political games. Chas Sisk of The Tennessean quoted sponsor Rep. Todd today on his politics blog: “There’s always a game plan.” Check back for more as the legislative session wraps up.
Last week, the House bill was amended to require places that sell less than 50% food to post a sign saying guns could not be brought into the establishment. According to The Tennessean, the amendment was offered by Representative Tindell so legislators could "keep their word from a year ago, when they said they would deliver a bill that would allow guns in restaurants, but not bars." Read the story at The Tennessean.
Problem is, posting a sign that says you sell less than 50% food is a red flag to the Tennessee ABC that the business does not qualify for a liquor license. Contrary to popular belief, there are no bars under the Tennessee liquor laws. Only restaurants. Over the past few months, the ABC has been targeting bars that do not sell enough food, suspending licenses for 90 days. 90 days without liquor is pretty much a death sentence to most bars. Read more at my liquor and beer blog, Last Call.
Legislators seem to ignore two of the simplest improvements to the gun bill. One is to allow businesses to opt in. If a business owners wants to allow guns, the owner can post a sign. Gun carry proponents fear that too few sane business owners would welcome gun carriers into a place that serves alcohol.
The second simple improvement is to fix the opt out sign. Currently, the law requires posting a large wordy sign to ban guns. Everyone is familiar with universal red slash circle signs. The law could easily allow business owners to prohibit guns by posting the universal no gun symbol. But this would be way too easy.
Look for more political games. Chas Sisk of The Tennessean quoted sponsor Rep. Todd today on his politics blog: “There’s always a game plan.” Check back for more as the legislative session wraps up.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Guns with Liquor One Step Closer to Law
Tuesday April 13, 2010, Guns with Liquor moved one step closer to becoming law. Supporters say this law is clear. If you can order a drink, you can bring your gun.
So exactly where will you be able to tote you six shooter?
Titans Ravens game. Bring your gun.
Bristol Motor Speedway. Yup.
Memphis in May. Check.
Snoop Dog and 50 Cent come-back tour at Bridgestone Arena. Bring lots of guns.
In fact, if you can order a beer, a glass of wine or a drink at a place, you can bring your gun if you have a carry permit. Unless the place posts a no guns sign.
But not a simple no guns sign. The universal no guns circle with a cross through a gun does not work under the law. It has to be a large sign in ALL CAPS that no one really wants to post on their front door.
The cumbersome sign requirements are intentional. The gun folks don't want anyone to post legal no carry signs. The law could easily specify that the discrete no guns symbol could ban folks from carrying guns. But no, that would be too simple to opt out.
The new law certainly resolves the issues the Court had with the existing law. The new law is very clear. If you can order a drink, you can bring your gun.
Its easy to understand. But a really bad idea.
So exactly where will you be able to tote you six shooter?
Titans Ravens game. Bring your gun.
Bristol Motor Speedway. Yup.
Memphis in May. Check.
Snoop Dog and 50 Cent come-back tour at Bridgestone Arena. Bring lots of guns.
In fact, if you can order a beer, a glass of wine or a drink at a place, you can bring your gun if you have a carry permit. Unless the place posts a no guns sign.
But not a simple no guns sign. The universal no guns circle with a cross through a gun does not work under the law. It has to be a large sign in ALL CAPS that no one really wants to post on their front door.
The cumbersome sign requirements are intentional. The gun folks don't want anyone to post legal no carry signs. The law could easily specify that the discrete no guns symbol could ban folks from carrying guns. But no, that would be too simple to opt out.
The new law certainly resolves the issues the Court had with the existing law. The new law is very clear. If you can order a drink, you can bring your gun.
Its easy to understand. But a really bad idea.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Welcome to Memphis! Please Check Your Gun at The Door.
How do you say howdy to out-of-town company?
At Memphis’ top tourist attraction, visitors to Beale Street are often greeted with hand-held metal detectors and large signs that prohibit firearms.
Sounds like a great place to bring the family.
Why the Friendly Greeting?
Tennessee guns in bars laws allow people with licenses to carry guns in places that serve alcohol, unless signs are posted prohibiting weapons. Downtown Memphis being, well, downtown Memphis, Beale Street restaurant and bar owners thought it best for customers to leave the guns at home. According to a Beale Street spokesperson, guns have no place on Beale Street.
Who Would Bring a Gun to Beale Street?
Seems like quite a few folks. Security personnel say they have confiscated a number of guns, as well as knives and other weapons.
Who Cares?
Hopefully Tennessee will not get the same rap as Arizona. Arthur Frommer of the well-known travel publication Frommers advised that he personally was avoiding travel to Arizona after armed protestors legally carried assault rifles and other weapons outside a place where the president was speaking. Mr. Frommer observed: “The continued tolerance of extremists carrying guns is a frightening development...” Read more at Mr. Frommer’s blog post.
The bottom line.
Beale street draws more than two million annual visitors. More out of town travelers visit Beale Street than Graceland or any other tourist attraction in the Memphis area. Beale Street is critical to the tourism industry in Memphis.
It boils down to taxes. Beale Street funds payments for about 1/3 of the bonds for the $250 million construction cost of FedEx Forum. If Beale Street folds, Shelby County will be footing the bill for FedEx Forum. That will not be popular in Collierville.
Although Beale Street may be arguably safer with metal detectors, the appearance to the casual visitor is far from positive. Metal detectors and no handgun signs make visitors worry that the entertainment district is not safe. Safe places do not need metal detectors and no gun signs. In fact, safe places do not need guns at all.
At Memphis’ top tourist attraction, visitors to Beale Street are often greeted with hand-held metal detectors and large signs that prohibit firearms.
Sounds like a great place to bring the family.
Why the Friendly Greeting?
Tennessee guns in bars laws allow people with licenses to carry guns in places that serve alcohol, unless signs are posted prohibiting weapons. Downtown Memphis being, well, downtown Memphis, Beale Street restaurant and bar owners thought it best for customers to leave the guns at home. According to a Beale Street spokesperson, guns have no place on Beale Street.
Who Would Bring a Gun to Beale Street?
Seems like quite a few folks. Security personnel say they have confiscated a number of guns, as well as knives and other weapons.
Who Cares?
Hopefully Tennessee will not get the same rap as Arizona. Arthur Frommer of the well-known travel publication Frommers advised that he personally was avoiding travel to Arizona after armed protestors legally carried assault rifles and other weapons outside a place where the president was speaking. Mr. Frommer observed: “The continued tolerance of extremists carrying guns is a frightening development...” Read more at Mr. Frommer’s blog post.
The bottom line.
Beale street draws more than two million annual visitors. More out of town travelers visit Beale Street than Graceland or any other tourist attraction in the Memphis area. Beale Street is critical to the tourism industry in Memphis.
It boils down to taxes. Beale Street funds payments for about 1/3 of the bonds for the $250 million construction cost of FedEx Forum. If Beale Street folds, Shelby County will be footing the bill for FedEx Forum. That will not be popular in Collierville.
Although Beale Street may be arguably safer with metal detectors, the appearance to the casual visitor is far from positive. Metal detectors and no handgun signs make visitors worry that the entertainment district is not safe. Safe places do not need metal detectors and no gun signs. In fact, safe places do not need guns at all.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Guns Gone Wild
Wednesday, March 10, 2010, Representative Todd Curry introduced an amendment to his pending guns in bars legislation that expands the law to apply to all places that have liquor licenses or beer permits. The original law proposed to allow guns in restaurants, but not hotels, entertainment venues and private clubs. Under the new legislation, it will be legal to tote your six shooter to the next Titans – Ravens game at L.P. Field.
The amended statute is apparently a direct response to the arguments we asserted in the Chancery Court guns lawsuit, which led to overturning the guns law last summer. Under the old law, it was difficult to tell if you were entering a bar or a restaurant. You could only pack heat at restaurants.
The standard under the revised law is simple. If you can buy a drink, you can carry your gun.
The new rule does not just sound stupid. It is stupid.
The majority of the Tennessee legislature has sold out to a small group of vocal gun advocates. The proposal is contrary to sound business principles and puts Tennessee at a competitive disadvantage in drawing tourists.
Let’s speak with our votes in the next election cycle. Cast your vote for a candidate that supports business and job creation. Cast your vote against legislators that put guns ahead of business.
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