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Guns in Bars Legislation Advancing in TN House

By Todd Hatton/AP

Nashville, TN – Legislation is advancing in the House that would allow handgun permit holders in Tennessee to carry their weapons where alcoholic beverages are served unless posted otherwise.
The measure sponsored by Reprsentative Curry Todd, a Collierville Republican, was approved eight-to-four by the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
A judge ruled last year that the guns in bars law is unconstitutionally vague. It made an exception for establishments that serve at least one meal on five days per week and where "the
serving of such meals shall be the principal business conducted." Tennessee has no legal definition to distinguish bars from restaurants.
Critics of the law said it's unclear as to where patrons can and cannot carry their weapons. But Todd said his legislation clarifies that by allowing individuals to carry guns where alcoholic
beverages are served "unless it's posted" not to.