The D.C. Council on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to permanent legislation creating new concealed carry laws, modifying the measure slightly to allow gun owners to carry handguns inside restaurants.
The council voted 11-1 in favor of the bill, which largely mirrors restrictive temporary laws adopted earlier this year in response to a federal court ruling that struck down the city’s ban on the carrying of handguns in public.
“It permits carrying in ordinary restaurants,” said D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson of the latest version of the bill. “Unless of course the owner says no.”
Council member David Grosso, at large independent, voted against the measure.
The council has debated where a concealed carry permit would allow gun owners to take their firearms as part of new regulations.
Private businesses have a presumption of allowing concealed carry of firearms on their property unless owners post notice saying otherwise, according to the legislation. Private residences and places of worship are presumed to not allow concealed weapons unless they give notice otherwise under the law.
The latest version of the bill, which will go before the council for a final vote on Dec. 16., reiterates that drinking alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon remains illegal.
• Andrea Noble can be reached at anoble@washingtontimes.com.
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