Restaurants prepare for state's new guns - alcohol law

Restaurants prepare for state's new guns - alcohol law

By WHITNEY HOLMES
6 News Anchor/Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- On July 14, Tennesseans with handgun permits will be allowed to carry their guns into establishments that serve alcohol.

Also starting July 14, you'll see signs outside some restaurants prohibiting firearms.

This is a way many restaurants are putting a stop to what they consider a potentially dangerous cocktail of guns and alcohol.

"We really feel that the idea of having guns and alcohol in the same place is not a real good idea," says Frank Garner, owner of Patrick Sullivan's Steakhouse and Saloon in the Old City.

When the bill passed, Gardner called his insurance carrier to find out what this meant for his restaurant.

"If somebody were injured because of something like that, would I be the person that is sued because I let the firearm to be carried in?" Gardner asked. "In their opinion, the restaurant would be put on the spot."

The advice he got was, don't risk it.

Under the law, restaurants and bars have the right to prohibit firearms by posting a sign.

Patrick Sullivan's, along with the Crown and Goose in the Old City, tell 6 News they plan to post signs.

However, the Ruby Tuesday chain of restaurants does not plan to put up signs.

The signs protect restaurants from being sued if the worst occurs.

"What if his gun was taken from him and then somebody else had possession of that firearm? There are just all types of scenarios that can happen," Gardner says.

He adds that the law could put his customers and employees at risk and that can't be good for business.

In December 2007, a customer opened fire at the Hooters restaurant in West Knoxville killing one man and injuring another.

Calls to Hooters Monday about its plans for the new law weren't returned.