Thread: N.C. Passes Bill to Allow Concealed Weapons in Parks, Bars

NC House passes bill to allow concealed weapons in parks, bars:

By Beth Shayne

NewsChannel 36

Posted: Thursday, Mar. 31, 2011

Legislation making its way through the North Carolina General Assembly would allow anyone with a concealed carry permit to carry their weapon into a restaurant, bar, or park.

The gun lobby calls the issue a matter of protection. "We are looking to make sure that deterrence is the order of the day in restaurants and parks," said president of Grass Roots North Carolina Paul Valone, who played in part in crafting a bill that passed the NC House Wednesday.

"Since we passed conceal carry, for 16 years, concealed permit holders have proven themselves to be sane, sober and law abiding," he explained. "Essentially, by banning firearms, let's say in a public park, you actually create a victim disarmament zone which would draw violent predators to that area."

Valone says the bill would override ordinances that ban guns in parks in most North Carolina counties, including Mecklenburg. It would do away with what he calls a "loophole" in the law that keeps guns out of restaurants or bars that serve alcohol. Restaurants would still have a legal right to individually ban guns, and laws that ban permitted gun users from drinking while carrying a weapon would still apply.

"In recent years both Tennessee and Virginia has passed restaurant carry, and neither has had any problem," Valone said. Opponents of the law say Grass Roots' logic is flawed.

"The sad truth is that more guns just equal more guns. No valid statistical evidence exists to show that allowing concealed weapons in more locations reduces crime," wrote Roxane Kolar, Executive Director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.

"To the contrary, evidence suggests that loosening restrictions on concealed guns may actually increase crime. A recent study found that states with higher gun ownership rates and weak gun laws have the highest rates of overall gun death."

Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg), who voted against the legislation Wednesday, says the issue is a distraction. "I think we need to focus on the priorities of this state--jobs and education--and not cater to the agenda of a small political minority." When we took the question to Mac's Speed Shop in Cornelius, we found a range of opinions. "Somebody that can carry a gun because they are of sound mind and judgment when they’re sober and able to obtain that permit, it might a different story when they are drinking," said bartender Kelly Peavy. "I have complete faith in the police department. If I need help, I’ll call 911." Customer Katie Forster disagreed.

"I feel like if you are going to go through the training to get your concealed weapons permit, then you should be able to take your gun wherever." Her friend Samantha Stoner doubts that all permit holders will obey the rules against drinking. "Technically, you are not supposed to come to a bar and drive either," she said. The legislation is one of several bills that would expand gun rights in North Carolina, It now goes before the North Carolina State Senate.

182 Comments.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/0 ... -bill.html

"I have complete faith in the police department. If I need help, I’ll call 911." Customer Katie Forster disagreed.

I disagree calling 911 always protect citizens from crime offenses. Sometimes it takes police officers awhile to respond and arrive to where crimes are occurring, because of the distance they have to travel to crime activities and scenes. None criminals and responsible weapons carries help make society safer for citizens and law enforcement officers, because if criminals knows citizens have a way to defend themselves against crime, they are less likely to become victims of crime.

Originally Posted by Pisces_2010

"I have complete faith in the police department. If I need help, I’ll call 911." Customer Katie Forster disagreed.

I disagree calling 911 always protect citizens from crime offenses. Sometimes it takes police officers awhile to respond and arrive to where crimes are occurring, because of the distance they have to travel to crime activities and scenes. None criminals and responsible weapons carries help make society safer for citizens and law enforcement officers, because if criminals knows citizens have a way to defend themselves against crime, they are less likely to become victims of crime.

I feel the same way.

http://gunowners.org/fs0404.htm