2008 Woodie Awards
New state gun laws receive mixed reactions
UTSAV YADAV
Issue date: 7/14/08 Section: News
The Georgia Legislature enacted a bill last week that allows gun owners with a permit to bring concealed guns, such as hand guns or pistols, into state and historic parks, public transportation and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Although gun owners cannot drink alcohol while carrying their guns in restaurants, the new law has received mixed response from restaurant managers here in Athens.
"It is a very bad idea," said David Dudley, kitchen manager at Mellow Mushroom. "Alcohol and guns do not mix."
Evan Lavalley, general manager of Doc Chey's, said he expresses similar sentiments.
"It is a little concerning. You are making it very tempting for people to drink while they are carrying a weapon," he said.
The law prohibits guns in bars, and while Mellow Mushroom and Doc Chey's mostly serve food, both establishments attract large crowds during football game days.
Questions have cropped up for both managers about who will be liable if someone with a gun enters and starts a confrontation.
But Hugh Christian, co-owner of Angelo's Italian Restaurant, said he feels the law does not make a difference for him.
"The people who will take advantage of the law already carry concealed weapons," he said. "We can pass a law against tornadoes, against hurricanes, but they will still happen."
Although gun owners cannot drink alcohol while carrying their guns in restaurants, the new law has received mixed response from restaurant managers here in Athens.
"It is a very bad idea," said David Dudley, kitchen manager at Mellow Mushroom. "Alcohol and guns do not mix."
Evan Lavalley, general manager of Doc Chey's, said he expresses similar sentiments.
"It is a little concerning. You are making it very tempting for people to drink while they are carrying a weapon," he said.
The law prohibits guns in bars, and while Mellow Mushroom and Doc Chey's mostly serve food, both establishments attract large crowds during football game days.
Questions have cropped up for both managers about who will be liable if someone with a gun enters and starts a confrontation.
But Hugh Christian, co-owner of Angelo's Italian Restaurant, said he feels the law does not make a difference for him.
"The people who will take advantage of the law already carry concealed weapons," he said. "We can pass a law against tornadoes, against hurricanes, but they will still happen."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 9
MajorPaynei86
posted 7/10/08 @ 9:29 AM EST
I feel for the most part that the laws just enacted are good except for the concealed weapons in establishments that serve alcohol; however, I believe each private establishment could have rules that do not allow such behavior thereby helping to prevent any dangerous situations. (Continued…)
LRJ
posted 7/15/08 @ 2:32 PM EST
What I find really funny was Gov Sonny's comments about his wife's right to carry at the airport because she may be jumped on her way from the car to the terminal. (Continued…)
zaid
posted 7/17/08 @ 3:42 AM EST
Finally we have a way to defend ourselves against those dangerous minorities.
Yeah, no one said it, but you know someone's thinking it.
ugadawg595
posted 7/20/08 @ 9:48 PM EST
The new law is a step in the right direction. The law provides these new rights to licensed carriers only! Licensed carriers are required to have a perfectly clean criminal and mental history and steps are taken for the state to be sure of this. (Continued…)
Some Guy
posted 7/21/08 @ 10:13 AM EST
LRJ,
Let me just point out that if even one responsible armed citizen had been on each of the airplanes hijacked on 9/11, we would have seen a very different outcome. (Continued…)
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