SB 1363, legislation allowing law-abiding citizens to carry self-defense firearms into restaurants and other establishments that sell alcohol, has passed the Senate by a vote of 17-12. The legislation prohibits a citizen who is carrying a firearm in these establishments from consuming alcohol. In recognition of private property rights, it also allows property owners to post a notice prohibiting firearms in their establishments.
The bill is now headed to Governor Janet Napolitano for her consideration. It is absolutely essential that the Governor hear from law-abiding gun owners like you. Please call the Governor’s Office today at (602) 542-4331 or email her at [email protected]. Respectfully request that she sign SB 1363 into law.
There are currently 33 states with laws similar to what is proposed in SB 1363. These include the Arizona border states of California, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. None of these 33 states have realized any problems, as evidenced by the fact that there have been no attempts to amend or repeal their laws. This is an extraordinary record of law-abiding, responsible conduct in light of the fact that citizens carry firearms into these establishments tens of millions of times each year.
Establishments that serve alcohol are not immune from life-threatening violence. Citizens deserve the opportunity to defend themselves and their families when they dine out. Under current law, firearms must be stored in unattended vehicles. If vehicles are stolen or broken into, these firearms fall into criminal hands. Arizona’s exceptionally high rate of auto theft makes this an especially critical matter. The passage of SB 1363 is essential in order to allow law-abiding Arizonans to defend themselves and to ensure the safekeeping of firearms by authorizing citizens to maintain custody.
The opponents of this legislation have made emotional claims that SB 1363 will endanger the public. They have had over three years to find evidence supporting their claims. Their silence speaks volumes. They have also claimed that there will be increased insurance premiums for property owners and dangers to law enforcement personnel. They have found no evidence of this in any of the 33 states.
One thing is certain – criminals and others intent on violence are already illegally carrying firearms in these establishments. SB 1363 returns private property rights to these establishment owners by empowering them with the ability to allow law-abiding gun owners to carry self-defense firearms on their property.
Please contact Governor Janet Napolitano today and request that she sign SB 1363 into law!
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