The Wall Street Journal has recently published an article discussing the new law that is set to take effect this weekend in Georgia. The new law will relax the restrictions on open carry, allowing firearms to be carried in public places such as pubs and churches. This change is in line with the recent trend of states moving to:
Bars, houses of worship, and other public establishments are wrestling with what to do about a new law in Georgia that starting on Tuesday dramatically will expand gun-permit holders’ right to carry weapons where people congregate.
The law allows licensed gun owners to bring weapons to bars and houses of worship, unless forbidden by proprietors. Legally-owned guns also are allowed in unrestricted areas of airports and government buildings, and may be carried at schools and in colleges if permitted by officials.
Several other states allow guns in bars or churches, but Georgia’s “Safe Carry Protection Act,” which passed the state legislature overwhelmingly earlier this year, is unusual in that it expanded gun rights in multiple places with one omnibus law.
Some establishments say they will allow guns, worried that prohibiting them will discourage customers. Others are posting signs banning weapons, concerned that patrons will be afraid or that they could be held liable if violence erupts.
Cappy Taylor, owner of Zeppelin’s, a pub and grill in Clayton, Ga., said for her it is simple: alcohol and firearms don’t mix. She plans to post a sign before Tuesday barring guns from her establishment. “You will not be bringing a gun in here,” she said.
