Judge Denies Injunction For Guns In Restaurants Bill

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A judge has denied a temporary injunction on a lawsuit intended to keep Tennessee's new restaurant gun law from going into effect.

A group of restaurant owners went to court Monday to try and stop a new law that would let people carry handguns into restaurants that serve alcohol in the state.

The group was concerned that the law would create increased liability for businesses. They also believe the mixture of alcohol and weapon creates a potentially deadly combination.

"I'm not worried about the 99 percent of gun owners who are permit holders. I'm worried about the 1 or 2 percent of would-be ‘Dirty Harrys' who are going to carry out their attempts at vigilantly justice in our cities and environments," Randy Rayburn told NewsChannel 5.

Restaurant owner Rayburn, and 13 other plaintiffs, filed for an 11th hour injunction to stop Tennessee's new gun law.

The lawsuit was filed in Davidson County Chancery Court. Critics argue, the rule relies too heavily on a gun carrier's interpretation of bar versus restaurant.

"We think it's anti-business to pass this legislation," said Rayburn. "The reasonable person cannot determine what the law means."

Chancellor Claudia Bonneyman struck down the emergency measure.

"The motion for a temporary injunction is denied," said Bonneyman.

She did order a hearing within the next 90 days as opponents continue to challenge the law.

Those on the pro side argued, the law's an added layer of protection and, that legally permitted carriers are not the problem.

"They think through it, unlike a criminal would - of what's the repercussions because typically, the asset groups - these people who have permits, have assets they're concerned about, either protecting or preserving," said John Harris, Tenn. Firearms Association.

The new law is scheduled to take effect July 14, and would allow anyone with a handgun carry permit to bring their gun inside bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.

Those against the new gun law do take comfort in knowing business owners still have the right to outlaw weapons on their own, private property.

NewsChannel 5 conducted a poll that asked if the judge should stop the guns-in-restaurants bill from becoming law - 38 percent said yes, 62% said no. Nearly 1,200 people participated in the survey.