FARMINGTON — Locals praised a new law that allows people with licenses to carry concealed handguns into restaurants that serve beer and wine. Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Richardson wants stricter regulations to accompany the law.
Sponsored by Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, and signed by Richardson on Wednesday, the law takes effect in July.
Under the new law, people could carry concealed weapons into restaurants that serve only beer and wine unless an owner or manager says it isn’t allowed or a sign prohibits it. The sign must be posted at each public entrance where it can be easily seen.
Carrying a firearm while under the influence of drugs and alcohol remains illegal. Nor may people bring concealed weapons into a bar or restaurant with a full liquor license.
But there’s nothing specific in New Mexico law that prevents a person from drinking alcohol while carrying a concealed weapon in a restaurant that serves beer and wine, according to the governor’s office.
“My decision to sign this bill came after much contemplation and thought. I heard strong opinions from both those for and against the bill,” Richardson said in a prepared statement. “As the governor of a Western state, I know well the deep feelings that come with such a measure, but I also understand those feelings and beliefs must be tempered by the enactment of certain safeguards.”
A spokeswoman explained that Richardson believes people carrying weapons in those restaurants should not drink any amount of alcohol. Richardson is urging the Legislature to adopt such a law.
Republican lawmakers representing San Juan County in the House and Senate voted to approve the measure lifting the ban on concealed-carry.
“The whole premise behind the concealed-carry is to have somebody armed other than criminals,” House Minority Leader Tom Taylor, R-Farmington, said.
People who have licenses to carry concealed weapons are trained extensively to use handguns responsibly, he said.
“Gunman can go into restaurants, start shooting up the place,” he said. “If you want personal protection, you ought to be able to have it.”
Farmington Police Chief Jim Runnels seemed less enthusiastic, though he said he was confident that most concealed-carry licensees would act appropriately.
“There are responsible people that have concealed-carry permits that this will not be an issue with,” Runnels said. “But anytime you mix alcohol and guns, there is a potential for a tragedy.”
Anyone carrying a gun while drunk, whether they are carrying the weapon in plain sight or are licensed to carry a concealed firearm, faces a ticket or arrest on a petty misdemeanor charge, local authorities said.
San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies would arrest any drunken person carrying a weapon, Capt. Tim Black said. Only in rare cases would deputies issue a ticket.
“My position is that I’m fully supportive of the Second Amendment,” Black said. “If people are lawfully carrying a concealed weapon and they’re not violating any other laws, they should be able to carry.”
“I don’t think it’s OK to go in with a weapon and drink alcohol,” he added.
Anthony Rahn, president of Tactical Solutions Institute Inc. near Cedar Hill, which teaches concealed-carry courses, said the new law was a step forward. But even though he doesn’t drink much, he believes people should be allowed to carry weapons in restaurants that serve liquor.
Even with the new law, Rahn, who is licensed to carry a concealed weapon, will have to leave his handgun in his vehicle if he went to a restaurant that served, say, whiskey.
But he also thinks no one should drink while carrying a weapon.
“There’s going to be some people that are going to say, I’m only going to have one beer,’ and end up having six,'” he said.