Given the lack of response from “Hollywood” himself, we have to assume that the response from his Woodbridge, VA, restaurant does represent his views…
While we understand and respect every person’s right to own and bear arms, we at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, with guidance from the State of Virginia and based on insurance regulations, have adopted a no weapons policy. It is our desire to provided a safe, enjoyable and entertaining experience for our patrons and staff.
But, as mentioned before, the Commonwealth of Virginia has no such requirements. It is perfectly legal to carry a permitted concealed handgun into a bar or restaurant. As for “insurance regulations”, we must presume that they mean the requirements of their underwriter. (This writer could not find any such “regulations” in Virginia; though, I did find this article from an insurance industry trade publication that indicates that there was no detrimental effect from Virginia’s law allowing firearms in establishments that serve alcohol.) The obvious solution would be to find an underwriter that isn’t biased against law abiding gun owners. There must be at least one in the Commonwealth since other Virginia restaurateurs seem to have secured coverage for their businesses. But of course, that assumes a lack of anti-gun bias on the part of “Hollywood” and his restaurant. They would have to want to show real respect for their law-abiding, gun-owning patrons. That clearly isn’t the case.
Speaking of insurance, does this response imply that “Hollywood” and his restaurant will guarantee the personal safety of their now disarmed guests?
