On January 30, Representative Justin Burr (R-Stanly and Montgomery Counties) introduced House Bill 17 – Gun Permits/Restaurants and Confidentiality. If passed, the bill would allow persons who possess valid concealed handgun permits to bring their firearms into all restaurants and eating establishments, even those that serve alcohol. One provision of House Bill 17 would allow the restaurant owner to post a “conspicuous notice” on the front door of the establishment, if he or she so chooses, prohibiting concealed handguns on the premises.
Similar bills were introduced in 2011 and 2012, but neither was able to gain significant traction, causing both bills to ultimately die in their respective committees. It will be interesting to see if House Bill 17 is able to escape a similar fate amidst the present heightened level of national debate surrounding gun owners’ rights and firearm control.
