Guns In Bars Goes To Tenn. Gov.

State legislators in Tennessee have approved a bill that would allow registered handgun permit holders to go armed into bars, clubs and restaurants that serve alcohol.

The measure, which is under consideration by Gov. Phil Bredesen, keeps in place an existing ban that prohibits gun owners from drinking while armed, yet fails to establish how that rule will be enforced.

The legislation doesn’t necessarily mean the Grand Ole Opry or 3rd & Lindsley will be forced to allow gun-toters into the venues, unless they want to, because the bill apparently upholds an existing rule that owners of establishments may post signage that prohibits weapons.

Sen. Doug Jackson, who sponsored the bill, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that limiting the rights of gun holders by establishing “gun-free zones” only allows criminals to flourish in such areas.

“There is evidence that such restrictions would endanger public safety,” he said.

But Sen. Andy Berke, who voted no, explained the measure’s name was enough to secure his opposition.

“I think that common sense tells you everything you want to know when you vote on a bill called ‘guns in bars,’” Berke said.