Virginia Senate votes to allow guns in restaurants

The Virginia Politics blog is reporting that the Virginia Senate has voted to allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns in restaurants that serve alcohol -- as long as the carrier of the weapon does not drink. The bill passed on a 22 to 18 vote, after senators debated whether people might have a reasonable reason to carry guns in restaurants.

Sen. Emmett Hanger (R), who sponsored the measure, said he was doing so on behalf of those who now violate the law that prohibit guns in such establishments rather than leave their weapons in their cars when they go out to eat. He said this was a particular issue for women who carry guns in their purses to defend themselves when they go to, say, Red Lobster.