I have been waiting for this bill for a LONG time. It isn't so much about bring a gun into the restaurant as it is about carrying a gun to the restaurant and/or being able to protect yourself on your way there (if you go on foot, via MARTA, etc).
http://www.11alive.com/news/article_...storyid=114035
More Expansive Gun Bill Passes
The 2008 legislative session went down to the wire.
Posted By: Catherine Kim
Last Modified: 4/7/2008 8:02:13 AM
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ATLANTA -- A controversial gun bill Republican sponsors called the most expansive and sweeping gun bill in the state's history passed the legislature, opening the door for Georgians to carry concealed weapons in more public places.
While they couldn't drink, licensed gun owners would be allowed to carry their guns inside many restaurants that serve alcohol if more than half of the profits come from food.
The gun bill also allows carriers with conceal carry permits to bring their guns to state parks, historic sites, recreational and wildlife management areas, and on public transportation systems like Marta. It essentially makes those public places "gun zones."
"Obviously, there's a right to have it, but you know, just because somebody's authorized to carry one doesn't mean they should have one," said Dan Nguyn, who rides MARTA daily.
"The gun should be kept inside private homes. That's it," said MARTA commuter Kenneth Gaiter. "What are they hunting for? What are they trying to prove?"
Backed by the National Rifle Association, the bill overwhelming passed through both the House and Senate late Friday night.
The measure also allows employees to leave their guns in their cars at work if their bosses agree.
Republican bill sponsors say the bill is the most expansive, the most sweeping addition to gun owners' rights in Georgia's history.
"It gives them [law-abiding citizens] the right to defend themselves and their families when they are out in public, and we believe that is huge, huge issue," said Republican House Rep. Tim Bearden, bill sponsor of House Bill 89.
But some Democrats are calling it "deadly legislation" that lacks enforcement and accountability.
"And the problem is in Georgia that we don't require anything of people with concealed weapon permits. We don't require training. We don't require knowledge of firearms law. We don't require psychological evaluations," said Alice Johnson with Georgians for Gun Safety.
The bill also makes straw purchases of firearms a felony, and speeds up the process to renew gun permits.
The bill now heads to Governor Perdue for his signature.







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