I think it is significant that the bar owner is African American and there has been a change of view within the African American community with respect to firearms.
Here is a link to a progressive (liberal) talk show, where the host and the guests talk about a number of issues, including changing attitudes in the African American community (typically responsible for electing staunch anti-gun politicians), they talk about a lot of different things - they start talking about gun control at around 11:16 in the piece.
http://www.illinoiscarry.com/news//3-69.php