Drizzt
February 12, 2003, 04:56 PM
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
February 12, 2003, Wednesday, BC cycle
2:32 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 328 words
HEADLINE: Concealed weapons bill clears House panel
BYLINE: By KELLY WIESE, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: LITTLE ROCK
BODY:
Legislation that would allow concealed weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol and in parks has been sent to the House.
The chamber planned to consider the measure Wednesday.
Anyone carrying the weapons would already need a concealed gun permit. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sid Rosenbaum, R-Little Rock, removes a prohibition on carrying concealed guns in public parks and into restaurants where alcohol is served. In those restaurants, at least 60 percent of sales would have to come from food.
Owners of any restaurant or other facility could decide not to allow guns in the building, but would have to post signs outside saying so.
"These are people who have followed the law," Rosenbaum said. "These are people who simply want to protect themselves and their families."
Supporters also said that people with permits to carry concealed weapons could use their weapons to put an end to violent encounters that break out.
Restaurant owners expressed concern with the bill, saying guns and places that serve drinks should not mix.
"It does not allow a person to drink alcohol and carry a concealed handgun," Rosenbaum said.
Ed David, chief executive officer of The Faded Rose restaurant in Little Rock, said he did not want guns and alcohol together at his establishment.
"I don't see a good purpose for carrying guns into restaurants," he said. "It just does not make sense."
He pointed out that guns are not allowed in the state Capitol.
"Why would you allow it in my business and not where you do business?" he asked legislators.
Some legislators said the current prohibition won't stop those who plan to do harm anyway.
"The person who's coming in with ill intent does not pay attention to the sign on the door," said Rep. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock.
Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee sent the bill forward without dissent to the House.
Two years ago, a similar bill cleared the House but died in the Senate.
February 12, 2003, Wednesday, BC cycle
2:32 AM Eastern Time
SECTION: State and Regional
LENGTH: 328 words
HEADLINE: Concealed weapons bill clears House panel
BYLINE: By KELLY WIESE, Associated Press Writer
DATELINE: LITTLE ROCK
BODY:
Legislation that would allow concealed weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol and in parks has been sent to the House.
The chamber planned to consider the measure Wednesday.
Anyone carrying the weapons would already need a concealed gun permit. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sid Rosenbaum, R-Little Rock, removes a prohibition on carrying concealed guns in public parks and into restaurants where alcohol is served. In those restaurants, at least 60 percent of sales would have to come from food.
Owners of any restaurant or other facility could decide not to allow guns in the building, but would have to post signs outside saying so.
"These are people who have followed the law," Rosenbaum said. "These are people who simply want to protect themselves and their families."
Supporters also said that people with permits to carry concealed weapons could use their weapons to put an end to violent encounters that break out.
Restaurant owners expressed concern with the bill, saying guns and places that serve drinks should not mix.
"It does not allow a person to drink alcohol and carry a concealed handgun," Rosenbaum said.
Ed David, chief executive officer of The Faded Rose restaurant in Little Rock, said he did not want guns and alcohol together at his establishment.
"I don't see a good purpose for carrying guns into restaurants," he said. "It just does not make sense."
He pointed out that guns are not allowed in the state Capitol.
"Why would you allow it in my business and not where you do business?" he asked legislators.
Some legislators said the current prohibition won't stop those who plan to do harm anyway.
"The person who's coming in with ill intent does not pay attention to the sign on the door," said Rep. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock.
Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee sent the bill forward without dissent to the House.
Two years ago, a similar bill cleared the House but died in the Senate.