Bredesen Vetoes ‘Guns in Bars’ Bill

Governor Phil Bredesen vetoed Thursday the bill to allow Tennessee carry-permit holders to bring their handguns into bars.

Flanked by dozens of police officers, Bredesen said while he supports the right to bear arms, the so-called “guns in bars” bill crossed the line of common sense.

“I believe that we can exercise our second amendment rights and common sense at the same time, and that guns in bars and guns and alcohol simply do not mix. Because of this I’m vetoing this bill and I’m respectfully asking the legislature to rethink this issue.”

The bill passed both chambers with enough votes to override the governor’s veto. House Sponsor Curry Todd says he hopes to do exactly that next week.

EXTRA:

Bredesen wouldn’t say whether he plans to veto the bill to let carry-permit holders bring guns into state and local parks.

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Todd

In a statement, Todd said we was “dissappointed” Bredesen would use his veto power to “abridge” the rights of Tennesseans.

“Ninety-five percent of the citizens who have contacted me regarding this bill want to see it pass. I intend to move forward to ensure that the wishes of the citizens of this state are carried out.”

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Serpas

Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas supported Bredesen’s decision, saying there’s no evidence the bill would help law enforcement. Serpas argues the debate is being driven by fear, not science.

“Where’s the data to support that, where’s the research to support that? This is a major public policy question.
“And there hasn’t been anybody to come in here and say, ‘Well, we’re from the University of Saskatchewan and we just looked at the per capita violence rate at the O’Charleys in the state of Tennessee, and Oh my goodness! You folk are dangerous.’
“It just never happened.”

Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas (podium), and Governor Phil Bredesen (right)