Arizona Lawmakers Vote to Keep Guns Out of Bars

Related Stories California Businessman Fights Three Strikes Law   California Voters Support Reformed 'Three Strikes' Law   State Law Allows Arrests Below DUI Threshold   Study: States Rarely Enforce Laws on Sales to Drunk Patrons

The Arizona Senate defeated a bill that would have allowed residents to carry their guns into bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve alcohol, the Arizona Republic reported May 26.

"I can sleep better at night," said Phil Million, owner of Nixon's in Phoenix. "It's just me and my sister here, and I can't imagine her dealing with people who have firearms."

The National Rifle Association (NRA) lobbied heavily for the bill. The group argued that criminals already bring guns into bars, making law-abiding citizens helpless to defend themselves.

The NRA said it would campaign against lawmakers who opposed the bill in the November election.