Burlingtonians lobby lawmakers to approve gun ban in bar charter change
Queen City voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal during the last Town Meeting Day, spurred by a summer shooting outside Red Square.
Queen City voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal during the last Town Meeting Day, spurred by a summer shooting outside Red Square.
Queen City voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal during the last Town Meeting Day, spurred by a summer shooting outside Red Square.
Members of the Burlington City Council and local restaurant owners spent the day in Montpelier urging lawmakers to approve a charter change banning firearms in bars. Queen City voters overwhelmingly approved the proposal during the last Town Meeting Day, spurred by a summer shooting outside Red Square.
Proponents argue that mixing firearms and alcohol is dangerous.
“Sometimes, conflict arises — that's just how alcohol works. There’s no reason for firearms to enter that equation,” T. Ruggs Tavern owner Mike Dunn stated.
Sen. Phil Baruth (D/P, Chittenden County) added, “This is a simple proposition to separate guns and alcohol in bars, which nearly 90% of Burlington voters supported.”
Burlington City Councilor Becca Brown McKnight emphasized rare unanimity on the issue, saying, “We Burlingtonians are an opinionated bunch, and it’s rare for us to agree on a safety issue. But this is one of those times.”
Opposition came from organizations like Gun Owners of Vermont and the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, which raised concerns about Second Amendment infringements.
“Setting up roadblocks to the right of self-defense is an infringement.” Eric Davis, President of Gun Owners of Vermont argued.
Chris Bradley of the Vermont Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs called the charter change unconstitutional, emphasizing that the ability to carry concealed serves as a deterrent to crime.
The Scott administration expressed preference for uniform statewide gun laws, citing enforcement challenges for local regulations. Democrats acknowledged the uphill battle the proposal faces if it reaches the governor’s desk, leaving the bill’s future uncertain this year.