Ariz. backs bill allowing guns in bars

July 02, 2009|Associated Press

PHOENIX - The Arizona Senate has given final approval to a bill that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry a gun into a business that serves alcohol.

The 19-to-8 vote completes legislative action on the bill and sends it to Governor Jan Brewer, a Republican. She has not said whether she will sign it, but she has long been a supporter of gun rights.

The measure has pitted powerful groups representing gun and bar owners against each other, sparking a debate about whether guns and alcohol can coexist without bloodshed.

Critics of the measure say guns and alcohol are a dangerous combination.

“We don’t let people drink and drive, why should we let them drink and carry guns?’’ said Senator Paula Aboud, Democrat of Tucson, who voted against the bill.

Supporters say they should be able to protect themselves even if they happen to be inside a business serving alcohol.

“It’s very important that criminals are now afraid rather than law-abiding citizens,’’ said Senator Jack Harper, Republican of Surprise, the bill’s sponsor.

The measure would ban drinking while packing and allow restaurants to deny entry to gun-toting citizens by posting a sign next to their liquor license.

Forty other states have approved similar measures, the National Rifle Association says.

READER COMMENTS »

View reader comments » Comment on this story »