House Bill 0962 (Restaurant Carry) Passes -- Becomes Law July 14, 2009

As many of you already know, today is a great day for gun owners in Tennessee. After some 15 years of working to amend the laws in our State to allow Handgun Carry Permit holders to legally carry into restaurants and other venues where alcohol may be consumed by other parties, we finally have VICTORY.

Today, Senator Doug Jackson delivered a powerful, impassioned, fact-laden, lie-refuting speech to the members of the Tennessee State Senate and its honored guests on why passing this law was not only critical but just plain common sense. The votes were cast and with a balance of 21 in favor, 9 opposed and 3 absent, HB 0962 became law.

This victory comes on the heels of HB 0962 being vetoed by Governor Phil Bredesen just last week after the Bill had successfully navigated both Tenenssee House and Senate chambers and been presented to the Governor to be signed into effect.


SO WHAT NOW?

• The law becomes effective Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Legal carry by a HCP holder inside a venue where alcohol is served for on-site consumption will not be legal until that date.

• During the 40 days leading up to July 14th, owners of these venues will in effect be given ample time to properly post notice at the entrances to said venues, declaring that they have chosen not to allow lawful carry on their property.

If the property owner chooses to do this, they must cite TCA 39-17-1359 and use proper signage.

• TGO recommends that you consider approaching the manager of any venues of which you are a frequent patron and politely encourage them to NOT post their venue as a prohibited carry area.

Explain to them that you are a Tennessee HCP holder and that you wish to continue patronizing their establishment, but if they prohibit carry there after July 14th you will be forced to take your business elsewhere.

Ask them if they plan to post or not.

• Last but not least, certainly send your Tennessee Representatives and Senators who supported HB0962 a quick email expressing your grattitude for their vote in favor this common sense legislation.

If your Representative or Senator didn't support the bill, send them an email telling them that you'll remember that at the voting booth during the next election cycle.