Tennessee governor vetoes bill to allow guns in bars for 2nd year in row; override expected

Tenn. gov vetoes bill allowing guns in bars, again

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For the second year in a row, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen has vetoed a bill to allow guns in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.

The Democratic governor, who is a gun owner and hunter, says he learned the lesson more than 50 years ago in a National Rifle Association safety course: “Guns and alcohol don’t mix.”

Bredesen vetoed a similar measure last year, but the Legislature overrode the veto. The law was struck down by a judge for being too vague.

Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey says it shouldn’t be hard to override again, because the bill passed by wide margins.

The measure would apply to the state’s 270,000 holders of handgun carry permits. Gun carriers are not allowed to drink. Bar and restaurant owners could still choose to ban weapons.