Tennessee Guns-in-Bars Law
On June 4, the senate in Tennessee overrode Governor Bredesen’s veto of HB 0962/SB 1127—the so-called “guns-in-bars law.” The new gun crimes law in Tennessee will take effect on July 14.
Under current Tennessee law, a person cannot possess a firearm in a building open to the public where alcoholic beverages are sold, unless the person is designated to protect customers or is a law enforcement or military officer in “discharge of official duties.” A violation of the current law is a Class A misdemeanor.
The new law adds another exemption for people who have a hand gun carry permit, and
- The person is not consuming alcohol; and
- The establishment is open to the public and serves alcoholic beverages; and
- The establishment does not restrict admission to persons who are age 21 years or older by checking patrons' identifications.
As you can see from reading the revised statute, the “guns-in-bars law” is not as sinister as many would suggest. First, the exemption does not apply to those establishments that check identifications. So, many establishments—especially the bars in downtown Knoxville—will be excluded. Next, the exemption does not apply to permit owners who possess a weapon and consume alcohol. The gun carrying guy who wishes to have a beer at the neighborhood Applebee’s would therefore have to leave his gun in the car.
As is often the case when a new bill is passed, misconceptions and rumors abound that serve to misinform you about your rights and responsibilities under the laws of Tennessee. At Baker Associates, we do everything possible to strengthen our client’s position by staying informed and receiving the most up-to-date training available. If charged with a gun crime in Tennessee, give our skilled Knoxville criminal defense attorneys a call at 866-853-2888 for a free consultation.
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