Join Together
Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here

take action
For every $1 states spend dollar sign on substance misuse and addiction, 94 cents go to shovel up the consequences instead of for treatment and prevention. TELL YOUR LEGISLATORS

What Can I Do?



Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE

Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP

 

Nashville Restaurant Owner Fights Law Allowing Guns in Bars
July 9, 2009

Share Share Email
Email
Print
Print
SubscribeSubscribe
News Summary

A new Tennessee law allowing patrons to bring guns into establishments that serve alcohol is unconstitutional as well as dangerous, according to a lawsuit filed by a Nashville restaurant owner.

Reuters reported July 2 that restauranteur Randy Rayburn asserted in the suit that the law, slated to take effect July 14, creates a public nuisance and threatens public safety.

"If it's called a 'nuisance bar,' with shootings, it normally gets shut down. But in Tennessee, we apparently are going to have 225,000 vigilantes shooting in bars," said attorney David Smith, who filed suit on Rayburn's behalf. The lawsuit claims that the law violates the constitutional rights of bar and restaurant owners, patrons, and workers.

The Tennessee Firearms Association backed the measure.

"Any time you introduce guns into a situation where there's alcohol, where they can be fights, it's dangerous," said Chad Ramsey, a spokesperson for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "We've all been to bars. They get crowded and there's pushing and shoving sometimes. A situation that is ugly can become deadly."

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Bernie Ellis on 09 Jul 09 09:39 AM EDT
News reports here in Nashville state that up to 80% of the restaurant and bar owners here have already announced that they will post signs prohibiting guns in their establishments, and that action is being mirrored across the state. In addition, a companion law that is also due to take effect next week will allow guns in all city and state parks, including Little League parks. 9Ever witnessed a heated argument at a Little League game? I have.) Both of these laws were fought vigorously by our state's law enforcement leaders, restaurant and bar owners and park directors. Yet they passed handily anyway. Just how did the reich-wing Neanderthals now in control of our legislature get elected (sic)? Google "Bernie Ellis TBI" to find out.

Posted by anonymous on 09 Jul 09 10:32 AM EDT
What is wrong with Tennessee! You simply don't welcome with open arms potentially deadly weapons into a situation where people are under the influence. Judgement is impaired and many people have violent tendencies when drinking. How many shootings are going to have to occur before they decide that this was a bad idea?

Posted by Lauren Tyson on 09 Jul 09 11:08 AM EDT
As a former law enforcement professional with the CA Alcoholic Beverage Control, and now liquor license consultant--I say this is creating increased risk of violence and injury. Someone didn't do their homework. --Liquor License Advisor

Posted by JMK on 09 Jul 09 01:47 PM EDT
Don't think I'll be visiting Tennessee anytime soon. Good grief, you sit down for a bite to eat and a drink and you get caught in the cross-fire. NO THANKS! I'll spend my tourism dollars in a state that has more sense.

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Submissions are held for review and approval.
Please read the guidelines before posting.

Name:

Comment:
(limit 250
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

Guidelines for comments