Why I won't allow guns in Keefer's Restaurant

[Robb]

Why does this commie hate America??


(snip)

Our point is this: We believe that alcohol and guns are a toxic mix and a thorough, common-sense approach to public safety is needed. That is why we posted a sign in our restaurant prohibiting guns.

I personally have been involved in the restaurant and bar business for more than 40 years — from busboy to restaurant owner — and I have served hundreds of thousands of people during my career. I have seen the effect alcohol can have on the judgment and disposition of guests. When I was manager at a local restaurant, a well-known professional athlete put a Bowie knife to my jugular vein when I asked him to relinquish his weapon. Many years ago, a friend was shot and killed in the parking lot outside a bar after a fistfight. A second friend barely survived a shot to his abdomen from the same intoxicated gunman who had lost the fight.

It is illegal to drink and drive, and it should be illegal to drink and carry a gun.

The bill approved by Illinois' General Assembly permits concealed-carry in bars and restaurants (including family restaurants) having less than 50 percent of gross receipts from the sale of alcohol. This is irresponsible and implies that the guest drinking chardonnay at a high-end restaurant can't become just as impaired as the customer drinking whiskey and beer at a corner tavern.

By prohibiting guns in places deriving more than 50 percent of its gross receipts from the sale of alcohol, the bill acknowledges the danger of mixing alcohol and guns, yet it turns a blind eye to what happens in places with less than 50 percent alcohol sales. Some restaurants with higher per capita consumption of alcohol easily could fall below the 50 percent threshold because of disproportionately high food menu prices. Alcohol consumption should be measured by individual consumption. Using percentages of gross receipts fails to address individual behavior and puts the lives of innocent guests and workers at risk.

Read More: http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130801/OPINION/130739928/why-i-wont-allow-guns-in-keefers-restaurant