SC: Governor Haley Signs Gun Law Reform

Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina signed S.308 into law today, February 11th.    The reform restores the rights of armed Americans to eat in the same restaurants as the rest of the population.  South Carolina is one of the last states to restore this right.  Depending on definitions, between one and four states still restrict people who are exercising their second amendment rights from obtaining service in places that serve alcohol.   North Dakota law allows legally armed people into portions of establishments that serve alcohol, for example. Louisiana may be the last state to have a complete prohibition.   A bill to reform the law passed the Louisiana House in 2013 by 64-24, but did not make it through the entire legislative process.

Governor Haley remarked that legally armed Americans will no longer be required to leave their arms in vehicles where they are at risk of being stolen.  Governor Haley:

"This is a bill that says that if you want to go into a restaurant, you no longer have to leave your gun in the glove box, you can take it in with you and keep it on your body."

Leaving guns in cars, where they are more vulnerable to theft by street criminals, has long been a concern of legally armed Americans.   There are numerous instances where police have had weapons stolen from their cars.  From 1490wstp.com January 23rd this year:

GASTONIA, NC (WBTV)- Deputies in Rowan County say someone broke into a patrol car outside of a Gaston County hotel and stole weapons and tactical gear that was inside.

Private property owners rights are protected by  the bill, which allows establishments to refuse service to armed Americans by placing appropriate signage or by asking legally armed people to leave the premises.

The bill goes into effect immediately.


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