The Virginia Senate today cleared the way for Virginians to be allowed to carry concealed guns in cars and bars.
In a 22-18 vote, senators approved Senate Bill 334, which would allow people with concealed gun permits to carry their firearms into restaurants that serve alcohol.
Six Democrats joined 16 Republicans to pass the legislation, which had passed the General assembly last year but was vetoed by then-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.
Senators also passed legislation that would allow Virginians who do not hold concealed gun carry permits to transport their handguns in a locked glove compartment or container in their car. The vote on Senate Bill 408 was 24-16, with six Democrats joining 18 Republicans to support the bill.
Both bills now head to the House of Delegates, which is likely to pass them. If the measures clear the House, Gov. Bob McDonnell is expected to sign the bills into law.
The legislation allowing concealed guns in bars prohibits any concealed gun carrier from drinking alcohol while armed.
Currently gun owners may bring their weapons into restaurants, provided the guns are clearly visible. They can also carry concealed weapons into restaurants that do not serve alcohol. Restaurant owners, however, have the right to exclude guns or weapons of any kind from their establishments.
Opponents to the legislation argued that guns and alcohol do not mix. Sen. A. Donald McEachin, D-Henrico, wondered how anyone would be able to tell whether a person with a concealed weapon was following the law and refraining from drinking.
Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, R-Augusta, sponsor of Senate Bill 334, said that the current law prohibited law-abiding citizens from enjoying their favorite restaurants, such as the Red Lobster, without the security of carrying their firearm. He said that he knew of some older, otherwise law-abiding ladies who took their guns into restaurants in their purses.
That prompted Democratic Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple of Arlington to rise: "I've never really been afraid for my life in the Red Lobster," she said.
Safety arguments were made on both sides of Senate Bill 408. "It's much safer if that gun is locked away in a glove compartment or some other container" than being in plain view inside the vehicle, said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel, R-Fauquier.
But Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond , said that allowing guns to be locked away in cars increased the risk to law enforcement and the potential for mistakes to be made when a motorist reaches to take something out of a glove compartment.
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