NC House Bill OK'd To Expand Concealed Carrying

POSTED: 5:20 pm EDT March 30, 2011

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RALEIGH -- The state House has agreed to allow people with concealed weapons permits in North Carolina to take their pistols into restaurants that serve alcohol and public parks. House members voted 74-42 on Wednesday in favor of expanding places where legally armed citizens can carry a gun. The bill now goes to the Senate. The measure also would allow local government restrictions in parks around ball fields and swimming pools. Bill sponsor Rep. Mark Hilton of Conover said 40 states already allow permit holders to carry concealed guns in restaurants where alcohol is served. But Rep. Deborah Ross of Raleigh pointed to a fatal 2008 shooting in an Edgecombe County bar as proof alcohol and guns shouldn't mix. Restaurants could still post signs barring concealed weapons.