ATLANTA Despite the objections of Georgia’s restaurant industry, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law Wednesday that allows residents with concealed-weapons permits to bring their guns into restaurants that serve alcohol.
The legislation had long been opposed by Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Georgia Restaurant Association. Because the measure also permits gun carriers to ride on public transportation, it was also opposed by transit officials. Those parties expressed fear that weapons in restaurants and on public transportation would threaten public safety and increase violence.
The National Rifle Association had lobbied for the legislation for two years. The NRA and gun owners cited the Second Amendment as giving gun owners the right to defend themselves, particularly in potentially dangerous public places.
About 300,000 Georgians have been granted permits to carry concealed firearms.