WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |State lawmaker fires back in gun law dispute

State lawmaker fires back in gun law dispute

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The sponsor of a controversial bill allowing guns where alcohol is served says Metro government won't trump the measure with a bill of its own.

The controversy comes after several Metro Council members filed legislation Friday that would prohibit firearms in places that serve beer.

Since most places that serve beer, serve harder alcohol and wine, the Metro bill would effectively supersede the recently passed state law allowing handguns in restaurants and bars, if the patron has a handgun permit and is not drinking.

Senator Doug Jackson said the proposed Metro law is illegal.

"When it comes to firearms, ammunition, and components of firearms, the state has specifically reserved that right to the state of Tennessee, not to local government," said the Dickson democrat, who spearheaded a legislative override of Governor Phil Bredesen's veto of the gun bill.

Jackson has requested an opinion on the issue from the state attorney general's office and expects a legislative effort to close any loophole, "if there is any loophole," he said Friday.

"We are exploring whether Metro even has jurisdiction now," said Councilman Charlie Tygard, one of several who filed the Metro bill.

They want to see if local beer boards can ban guns where suds are served, but he said, "Is my family, my grandkids safer or more unsafe, in an establishment if patrons are carrying concealed weapons?"

The state law allowing permit holders to carry their guns into places that serve alcohol goes into effect on July 14.

Tygard said a potential council vote would not happen until at least late July.

Previous Stories:

• June 5, 2009: Local bartenders react to 'Guns in Bars' override
• 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