WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Judge allows Tenn. guns in bars law to take effect
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A law that allows handgun carry permit holders to carry their weapons into Tennessee bars and restaurants that serve alcohol will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday after a Nashville judge Monday afternoon denied a temporary restraining order.
Plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed late last month were seeking an injunction, alleging that the so-called "guns in bars" law is a public nuisance and threatens the public's safety.
Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman ruled Monday against blocking the law, though she said the case should be explored further in 90 days.
The law retains an existing ban on consuming alcohol while carrying a handgun and restaurant owners can still opt to ban weapons from their establishments.
Critics of the measure have continually said guns and alcohol in close proximity are a dangerous combination.
Nashville restaurant owner Randy Rayburn and nine others filed the lawsuit on June 30.
Rayburn has been a very outspoken opponent of the bill and has posted signs outside his restaurants telling customers their weapons are not allowed.
Supporters of the law point to state Safety Department records that show handgun permit holders in Tennessee are responsible.
"What we saw was law abiding citizens who are allowed to bear arms do not contribute to violent crimes in any statistically significant way," Senator Doug Jackson has said.
To that, Rayburn has said he's concerned about the "2% who aren't always as legal and responsible as they should be."
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