Fight Over

In recent (today's) news, the fight over "guns in bars" - which should really be called what it truly is: "Guns in restaurants like most other states," - is about over. This story details that the judge in the case to attempt to get a temporary injunction against the law has failed. Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman ruled that there will be no injunction.

Unfair, you say? Here's what the media has not told you:

1. Any business (bar, restaurant, or almost anything else) may post a sign in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1359 which prohibits Handgun Carry Permit holders from carrying their weapons on their premises.

2. The HCP holder MAY NOT consume alcohol while in the possession of his or her firearm. This holds true in bars and restaurants, as well.

3. There are 37 "shall issue" states like TN. 35 of them have identical or substantially similar laws. The catch is usually that the gun carrying citizen may be restricted in the following possibilities:
a) the gun owner may not drink at all while carrying. or
b) the gun owner may only have one drink while carrying. or
c) the gun owner must keep his or her b.a.c. at or below the same limit as needed to drive.

Most other states do as TN will now do and completely ban the carry holder from drinking at all while carrying a firearm.

I, on the other hand, patiently await my new business cards, which indicate that any business with a sign in accordance with TCA 39-17-1359 will lose my business because of such sign. I will spend my money with businesses that want it.

PS - I have seen gun stores that do not allow carry permit holders to enter. Now that's just asinine.