Tennessee Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Gun Bill

[OuTcAsT]

Now that this law has finally been enacted, and is in full force, businesses are going crazy about where they stand.
I wrote a letter to the editor of our county's largest newspaper, and it was published yesterday;

LOCAL EATERIES IN A QUANDRY OVER GUN LAWS



As most may not be aware, as of Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Anyone with a legally issued Tennessee handgun carry permit may carry their concealed handgun into a restaurant that serves alcohol, as long as they are not drinking. This new law seems to have some local shopkeepers nervous. They are anxious enough that they are posting signs telling law-abiding citizens that their policy is, basically “We are not interested in the safety or well being of our employees or customers” Certainly the outcry from these businesses will be
“Oh, No, just the opposite” But that policy, while well-meaning, may have some un-intended consequences. The handgun carry permit system was put in place so that good, honest, citizens, could apply for a permit, and, once qualified by passing a background check, a safety course that not only teaches safe handling, and the laws regarding carrying a weapon, but requires that you prove your proficiency in handling the firearm before that permit is issued. Why would someone want to carry a gun? The simple answer is, because a police officer is too heavy to carry. Those who go through this rigorous process realize that the responsibility for the safety and security of our family, and, ourselves, is our own, and when bad things happen, you usually will have only seconds to react in a way that can save yours, or someone else’s life. I saw a response in the newspaper about how some shopkeeper was concerned with the liability issues. I respond by saying that you, yourself are creating a liability issue by banning legally carried firearms in your establishment. When you place a sign on your door saying that legally carried concealed firearms are not welcome, then I must give up my right to defend myself if I enter your establishment. Who is responsible for my safety while I am in your business? Technically now, you are. Another unintended consequence of your sign is that you have just assured a criminal that there are no firearms in your establishment, your customers and staff, are unarmed, and are therefore “fair game”.
If I were a criminal which establishment do you think I would want to target, the eatery where law abiding citizens and their families may be armed? Or the one with a sign that tells me nobody is armed. ? Some have argued that this new law will hurt your business, I will agree. Those businesses that will not allow me to exercise my lawful right to self defense will certainly not see my money. I will not give up my rights for a meal that I can enjoy at an establishment that recognizes the rights of paying customers.

While many restaurants have no problem with it, Applebees, Outback, Chili's, and a few local joints, have all posted signs. Might be good to get a list together so we'll know where NOT to eat.

[Ares]

Correct me if I am wrong, I was told that no gun signs had absolutely no legal backing and the worst they could do was kick you out of the establishment. Except for schools, courthouses and the like of course..

[OuTcAsT]

I was told that no gun signs had absolutely no legal backing and the worst they could do was kick you out of the establishment.

Basically, that is correct, however you risk "trespass" or "breech of peace" charges if you press the issue. Either way, why not simply avoid those places in favor of businesses that welcome you? But make sure to stop by and tell them why you will not be eating at their establishment.

Unless they get the message that no guns=no funds, they will continue this practice.

[mskdgunman]

Lucky for me, I haven't run into this issue (yet). In the event I do, I figure that so long as I do my part and keep the weapon concealed like I should, why should I disturb the owners delicate sensibilities with the issue. I'll carry and not say a word about it. Should a situation arise thats bad enough for me to need the weapon, then I could really give a **** about his no guns allowed sign. That will be the least of my concerns. In other words, what the business does not know won't get me in trouble and as long as I don't cause any problems, I'll probably be ok.

[langenc]

For all those that spew the "guns and alcohol" line just tell them "I (we) are not Teddy."

[RDak]

Congratulations TG!!

[JustDreadful]

In Nevada, not only may we carry in restaurants, bars and casinos, but even while drinking



as long as we're under .10 BAC.


And yet, somehow, every NV town doesn't turn into Fallujah every Friday and Saturday night. A miracle, surely.

[rwilson452]

In PA we can carry in bars and restaurants. No Guns signs can have the old trespass issues. Legally, there is no BAC limit.

[SigfanTN]

Correct me if I am wrong, I was told that no gun signs had absolutely no legal backing and the worst they could do was kick you out of the establishment. Except for schools, courthouses and the like of course..

In the restaurant bill that is now law, I believe violating a restaurants wishes which posts the correct sign is a Class A misdemeanor charge which could result in up to a $500 fine and potentially losing ones permit.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this, but this is my understanding of the penalty for ignoring the sign, if caught.

[maestro pistolero]

One of the CA columnists said in this column that:
Quote:
I won't eat where fellow diners are packing heat.
She has a blog and wrote about another where they are cataloging the posted eateries. Good way for us to keep up with where not to go.

http://saferestaurantstennessee.blogspot.com/

http://eatgunfreetn.wordpress.com/

This is a hit-list for criminals!

[macville]

In the restaurant bill that is now law, I believe violating a restaurants wishes which posts the correct sign is a Class A misdemeanor charge which could result in up to a $500 fine and potentially losing ones permit.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on this, but this is my understanding of the penalty for ignoring the sign, if caught.

That is correct if they post a LEGAL sign in TN. The thing is, 99.9% of places simply post, no guns allowed, or a sign that has a gun with a slash through it. The legal sign has to be certain text that refers to the TN code about law. However, any business can ask you at any time to leave and if you don't, you can be charged with trespassing.

Matthew