Mid-South Bars to Keep Guns Out

Licensed gun owners will be allowed to strap on in bars and restaurants.

Thursday, the senate voted to override Governor Phil Bredesen's veto of the guns in bars bill, one day after the house did the same.

But the majority of bar and restaurant owners in Memphis say they are appalled by the passing of the guns in bars bill. Many are now creating their own policy: No guns allowed, despite what the law may say.

For Benny Carter, the owner of Murphy's in Midtown, adding guns to bars and restaurants is one cocktail that doesn't make sense.

"I do not think they mix well," says Carter. "I don't think anybody does. I don't think I'm alone as a bar owner and proprietor."

He's right, Murphy's not alone. Bars all over the Midtown area are putting up signs in their windows making it clear, guns are not allowed.

But Carter has not yet taken the step to make an official policy at Murphy's.

"If someone does bring one in because they are concealed, how am I going to know if they have one or not?" asks Carter.

Carter also feels this gun bill was unnecessarily fast tracked. He says lawmakers did not do enough research.

"Nobody ever asked my opinion on it," says Carter. "Ultimately its more responsibility for me."

But not every business owner is against the measure, although people with that opinion are less vocal. Fox13 talked to two restaurant owners who support the bill, but did not want to go public.

A downtown business owner says many of his patrons have carry permits and doesn't expect it to be a problem.

And a Midtown restaurant owner says many of his employees get off late at night and may feel safer if they're allowed to have a gun.

At Murphy's, Carter says he's not only concerned about the safety issue, but about cost. In this slow economy, the last thing he needs is for an increased price in insurance and more liability on him.

"It all boils down to me for more responsibility, increased cost and ultimately more exposure for lawsuits," says Carter. "And God forbid something to happen."

It will become law July 14th. But many bars and restaurants plan on making their own policy.