Senate OKs bill to allow guns in bars-Roller abstains from vote
|
‘I’ve been contacted both ways on the issue,’ said Roller of the bill which would lift the current ban on carrying a gun into a place that sells alcohol. ‘This is not the first time this legislation has been presented so I decided to defer to my colleagues and I abstained from the vote.’
The bill passed, 24-6, last week and is now headed to the state House for consideration.
Specifically, the bill will allow people with state-issued handgun carry permits to carry their guns into restaurants and bars where alcohol is served. It is presently a crime to do so. Supporters of the bill say people who have a carry permit should not be penalized for abiding by the law when others, who do not have carry permits, sometimes go armed in such places anyway.
Even with such a law, restaurant and tavern owners would still have the last say and could try to prevent people from carrying any weapons on their property by posting a sign. It would also still be illegal for people who carry firearms with permits to consume alcohol while in bars.
Sen. Roller noted law enforcement officials who contacted him are against the bill across the board, saying it would make their job more dangerous. This is despite bill supporters who say there have been no incidents in other states where licensed gun carriers are allowed to bring their guns inside alcohol-serving establishments.
‘Law enforcement expressed concern about allowing guns into such establishments and I’ve got to respect their concerns,’ Roller said. ‘Plus, I’m concerned on how such a bill will effect the liability of business owners who allow people to carry on their premises. If they address the liability and the bill comes back around in a new form then I may cast a vote since I’m still educating myself on the issue.’
Supporters point out only license-carrying handgun owners would be able to carry weapons and that such people have to undergo background checks, classroom education and shooting qualification before they are allowed to have a handgun permit.