Senate wrangles over guns, booze

SANTA FE (KRQE) - New Mexicans with training and permits have been allowed to carry concealed weapons for nearly a decade now, but one senator has introduced legislation that would allow the guns to be carried into some places that serve alcohol.

Senate Bill 40 would allow concealed handguns in restaurants that serve beer and wine.

Bill sponsor Sen. George Muñoz , D-Gallup, told KRQE News 13 the bill is about responsibility.

"You don't want to be unresponsbile and let something happen that you could have prevented," he said. "I think that everybody knows that guns are most vulnerable when they are left in vehicles.

"They have been stolen from policemen in their vehicles. So if you have a conceal-to-carry license, then you want to be he most responsible citizen that you can."

Muñoz said the bill is for establishments selling only beer and wine, not hard liquor.

However, opponents say mixing alcohol and guns is never a good idea. The New Mexico Restaurant Association has come out against the bill saying it puts too much liability on the establishments to check for weapons or in case a shootout erupts.

However the restaurants could post notices banning weapons on the premises.

"If you have a conceal carry license you're not allowed to beer or wine or any alcohol with it, so they can argue that point all day long," Muñoz said. "Responsible people with licenses know the laws, and they abide by the laws."

If they don't, Muñoz said they stand to lose their conceal-carry permit.