Governor McDonnell Signs Repeal of Restaurant Ban

Governor Bob McDonnell has signed into law VSSA-backed legislation allowing Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) holders to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense in restaurants like Applebees and Olive Garden that serve alcohol as well as food, providing they do not consume alcohol. State Senator Emmett Hanger (R-24) and Delegate Todd Gilbert (R-15) were the patrons of Senate Bill 334 and House Bill 505 respectively.

This commonsense measure passed the State Senate in February by a bi-partisan vote of 22-18 and passed the House of Delegates in early March with a bipartisan vote of 72-27. This makes Virginia the 42nd state to extend self-defense rights to permit holders in restaurants.

There was absolutely no reason to prohibit CHP holders from carrying their self-defense firearm into a restaurant that serves alcohol. CHP holders are some of the most law abiding members of society. This is a 14 year battle that has finally been won with the hard work of Virginia's law-abiding gun owners.

VSSA would like to thank Governor Bob McDonnell and the lead bill sponsors, Senator Emmett Hanger and Delegate Todd Gilbert, as well as all the other legislators who supported this common-sense measure. The law will become effective on July 1, 2010.

Virginian gun owners can thank Governor Bob McDonnell for his Second Amendment support at (804) 786-2211 or click here to thank him via email.