NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The House on Monday evening passed a bill that allows people with handgun carry permits to bring their weapons into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol as long as they don't drink.
The chamber voted 70-26 in favor of the bill sponsored by former Memphis police officer turned lawmaker Curry Todd.
The bill would still ban handguns at establishments that enforce age restrictions and owners would still be able to ban weapons from being carried in their establishments.
The proposal would also create a curfew for handguns being carried between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The House voted 72-17 to reject an attempt by Rep. Brian Kelsey to remove any time limitations.
The companion bill is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Governor Bredesen has said he is supportive of Second Amendment rights to bear arms, but indicated last week he will look at each gun bill lawmakers pass specifically before deciding which measures he will sign, if any.
As of last year, 34 states, including five adjacent to Tennessee, allow handgun carry permit holders to take their guns into establishments that serve alcohol.
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