Elbows, Maybe, but No Arms in Virginia

Josey1

Elbows, Maybe, but No Arms _____What's Your Opinion?_____ Share Your Views About Editorials and Opinion Pieces on Our Message Boards About Message Boards E-Mail This Article Printer-Friendly Version Subscribe to The Post Thursday, February 7, 2002; Page A24 VIRGINIA LAW allows saloons and restaurants to welcome loaded customers with open arms, but not if the arms are concealed. Gun-toters may enter only with holstered weapons in full view. Small comfort, but it could get worse for those who find the presence of guns disconcerting and dangerous. Some state lawmakers are looking to close the gun loophole -- the wrong way. They are pushing to repeal the prohibition against bringing in concealed weapons. To counter the argument that guns and alcohol don't mix, the bill would make it illegal for anyone carrying a concealed weapon in a public place to drink an alcoholic beverage or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.But why must anybody have to bring along guns in the first place? "Even Miss Kitty made you check your gun at the door," say lapel stickers being worn by opponents of the bill. Supporters argue that "guns save lives" -- even if, as most of these same gun lobbyists always say, guns don't kill people, people kill people. Among those who don't buy the logic are some restaurant workers who urged a House committee last week to reject the repeal bill. It's a safety issue, one Richmond restaurant owner told the committee, noting that three years ago, a patron left a fully loaded 9-mm gun in a restroom.What do gun-toters fear so much in Virginia's bars and restaurants that they feel the need for "protection"? The safest course would be to ban all guns -- concealed or dangling from hips. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A36250-2002Feb6.html