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NC Council of Churches

Strength in Unity, Peace through Justice

Guns in Bars and Restaurants Before Subcommittee on March 20

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The folks at North Carolinians Against Gun Violence have called House Bill 17 a “Recipe for Disaster.” That about sums it up. This is the bill that would allow anyone with a concealed carry permit for a handgun to take that weapon into eating establishments, including those serving alcohol. That’s a boost for drinkers and diners who enjoy their happy hour or all-you-can-eat-buffet more when they’re armed. It should be a huge cause of concern for the rest of us.

House Bill 17 will be considered on Wednesday, March 20 in the Judiciary A Subcommittee. While the bill would allow restaurant owners to prohibit guns by posting signs to that affect, as Gail Neely of NCGV points out, “Let the owners of the bars and restaurants that want guns allowed, post the signs saying ‘Guns Welcome Here.’ Then we will know where NOT to take our business.”

Neely also notes, “The majority of North Carolinians (81%) do not want guns allowed in bars and restaurants where their families visit. Restaurant owners do not want them either. 2.36% of the total population of NC have had a CCW permit issued to them between 1995-June 2011. 81% of the population of NC do not agree with allowing that 2.36% to carry their guns in bars and restaurants. Nor do they want the CCW permit holders from other states with even fewer permitting requirements to carry their guns in our bars and restaurants!”

NCGV suggests contacting Judiciary A Subcommittee members to stop HB 17. They are:

Alma.Adams@ncleg.net, Dean.Arp@ncleg.net, Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net, John.Blust@ncleg.net, Marcus.Brandon@ncleg.net,  Justin.Burr@ncleg.net, Larry.Hall@ncleg.net, Jon.Hardister@ncleg.net, Julia.Howard@ncleg.net, Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net, Allen.McNeill@ncleg.net, Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net, Jacqueline.Schaffer@ncleg.net, Bob.Steinburg@ncleg.net

You can also contact your favorite restaurant and let them know how you feel.

People of faith must always be concerned when our societal default is that more weapons make us better. They don’t. They just mean we are being governed by our fear.

–Aleta Payne, Development & Communications

Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

About Aleta Payne, Former Deputy Executive Director

Aleta Payne first joined the Council staff in the spring of 2001 as the Communications Associate. She continues to oversee that work along with development, represents the Council in several partnership efforts, and serves in other administrative roles, as well. Aleta is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in government and foreign affairs and spent much of her early career as a journalist. She has three young adult sons who continue to come home to Cary for dinner, or at least groceries, and two young adult terrier-mix dogs who keep the nest from feeling too empty.

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