A modest proposal: Guns in every bar

A Senate committee is expected to hear a bill today that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns into Virginia's bars. If lawmakers pass the legislation, Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has supported the measure, is likely to sign it.

Restaurateurs and others are outraged by the possibility, noting security issues. Some also worry because the bill contains no provisions for keeping out gun-carrying customers and is a threat to property rights. But they may be missing the benefits and opportunities such legislation presents.

To begin with, the proposed law would allow 214,000 Virginians to carry hidden weapons into any establishment that has an ABC license: pizza parlors, bowling alleys, sports bars, nightclubs, country clubs, fine restaurants.

In case anyone is worried about the volatile mix of alcohol and firearms, naysayers should know that the Senate bill requires gun toters to abstain and threatens them with - shudder! - misdemeanors if they don't.

Such a law would undoubtedly be good for tourism in the Old Dominion. Forget "Virginia is for Lovers." Forget eco-tourism. Virginia could make a name for itself in the emerging market for armed tourism: Virginia is for self-defense.

Twenty-three states, including North Carolina, expressly prohibit loaded guns in bars. Virginia, already known as the armory to countless East Coast cities, could cement its reputation as a gun-friendly state, welcoming to all and anyone frustrated by laws back home.

Think of the conventions we could attract! Nashville's visitors bureau bemoaned the loss of business when Tennessee passed this law last year. Virginia should look on the bright side. The commonwealth could market itself as the Wild West of the East, with Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli keeping order as Marshal Matt Dillon in a dark business suit.

The possibilities for creating jobs and stimulating the economy are endless. Nightclubs worried about enforcing the law will be looking to hire more security officers, just in case. Instead of offering coats and ties for under-dressed men to borrow, swank restaurants could offer bulletproof vests. Serving shots would take on a new meaning. Get in a fight over a girl or guy? Call in your armed wingman.

When then-Gov. Tim Kaine vetoed the measure last year, he warned that allowing it to become law would put the public, employees and public safety officers at risk. Restaurateurs argue that they will have no way of knowing whether to serve an alcoholic beverage to a customer because they won't know who has a weapon.

Here's a hint: Given the law, it'll be the one drinking club soda. That might put a dent in a restaurant's receipts, but it'll do the same for Virginia's drunken-driving rate. See how that works? With the right marketing, even good sense's loss can be Virginia's gain.