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.

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.