NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Currently, only a sign can prevent someone from walking into a business with a gun. But even that might not be enough for business owners to keep them and their customers safe.
Rep. Jody Barrett (R - Dickson) introduced HB 2032, which would remove offenses for carrying a gun into a building that prohibits or restricts them. The bill would effectively allow people with an enhanced handgun carry permit to bring guns inside. He is also sponsoring a separate bill that would prevent businesses from prohibiting guns.
Vinyl Tap in East Nashville said while employees can't always prevent people from walking through its door, it can take steps to prevent trouble from arising.
“I just feel the need to make it clear that we do not want those in here,” said Todd Hedrick, the bar and record store’s owner.
He said he knows placing a sign restricting guns in the businesses may not stop people from bringing in guns. However, he said he has done everything to make sure people know they're not allowed, or else they may be charged and fined.
“It makes me really uncomfortable,” said Hedrick. “We were told by a police officer that if we have the Tennessee Code Annotated sign then it was legit.”
However, HB 2032 may effectively prevent the bar from making efforts to keep guns out.
“I just don’t even want that to be a situation whatsoever,” said Hedrick. “Especially, alcohol is involved here, that sort of thing.”
He said staff at Vinyl Tap have seen minor altercations in the past, but he said he doesn't have the staff to respond if someone fires a shot. So, he said having a sign restricting guns is the only thing he can do to keep his customers and staff safe.
“We don’t have a door guy,” said Hedrick. “We are not going to frisk anybody through metal detectors or anything.”