Governor Bredesen Vetoes Guns In Bars Bill

Channel 5 news (AP) NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gov. Phil Bredesen has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Tennessee handgun permit holders to take their weapons into establishments that serve alcohol. He made the announcement at a late afternoon news conference Thursday where he was joined by police chiefs and district attorneys from around the state. Bredesen said he hoped the Legislature would reconsider the issue. The measure passed the state House 66-23 and Senate 24-7 earlier this month. A simple majority is required in each chamber to override a veto. Lawmakers agreed to leave out provisions that would impose an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for carrying handguns where alcohol is served and keep a handgun ban in place for bars that restrict entry to people over 21 years old.