WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Local bartenders react to 'Guns in Bars' override

Local bartenders react to 'Guns in Bars' override

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - In one month, guns will be allowed in Tennessee bars and restaurants that served alcohol.

Thursday, the Senate joined the House in overriding Governor's Bredesen veto of the so-called "Guns in Bars" bill.

The law will take effect July 14 and allows gun carry permit holders to bring weapons into businesses where alcohol is served.

Metro Chief of Police Ronal Serpas, a supporter of Governor Phil Bredesen's veto, is divided on the decision.

"You know, the process is the process," Serpas said.  "I support the process. We live in a democracy. Sometimes your points are taken and sometimes your points of view are not taken."

Earlier this year, Nikki Goeser's husband was shot and killed inside Jonny's Sports Bar.

She said Thursday she is glad for the veto override and has been a vocal supporter of the new law.

"Bad guys don't care about the law," Goeser said. "The good guys are the ones you need out there, they're gonna follow the law.  They've been properly trained.  They've had the background checks, the fingerprints."

Under the legislation, restaurants that want to keep guns out simply have to post a sign saying so.

Some local business bartenders on Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville, however, are not pleased with the new law.

"I don't like it," said Bartender Christal Mabry.  "I think if we have problems here, we have people to call who can take care of those things for us.  We shouldn't be putting it into the hands of people that come into our bars."

Bartender Michael Osulanske agreed.

"I think it is ridiculous," Osulanske said.  "If you need a gun to eat food you probably shouldn't leave your house."

Part of the law requires those who are carrying guns not to drink alcohol while carrying the guns, but bartenders wonder how that can be monitored.

Previous Stories:

• June 4, 2009: Handgun permits are up in Tennessee
• June 4, 2009: Senate overrides veto of bill allowing guns where alcohol served
• June 3, 2009: House overrides governor's veto of 'Guns in Bars'
• June 2, 2009: Gun bill sponsor says governor, media misfired
• June 1, 2009: Senate sponsor hopes to override governor 'Guns in Bars' veto
• May 29, 2009: Some glad guns will stay out of bars, restaurants for now
• May 28, 2009: Gov. Bredesen rejects 'Guns in Bars' bill
• May 14, 2009: 'Guns in Bars' bill heads to governor
• May 7, 2009: House votes to allow guns where alcohol served
• May 4, 2009: Restrictions removed from 'Guns in Bars' bill
• April 16, 2009: Senate OKs 'Guns in Bars' bill
• April 6, 2009: House passes bill to allow guns where alcohol served
• March 30, 2009: House delays vote on 'Guns in Bars' bill