Tennessee House Approves Legislation to Allow Guns in Bars

The Tennessee House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow people who have handgun permits to bring the weapons into alcohol-serving establishments, the Associated Press reported May 8. 

The measure, which passed by a 66-23 vote, departs from earlier efforts that sought to impose a curfew for carrying handguns in establishments that serve alcohol or completely ban handguns in age-restricted establishments.

State restaurant groups and police organizations oppose the legislation, though Rep. Curry Todd (R- Collierville), who sponsored the bill, said the groups did not actively voice their opposition to him.

If the bill passes the state Senate, it will go to Gov. Phil Bredesen, who has not said whether he will approve the bill.