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.

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