Tenn. guns-in-bars law back in court

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 4:15 AM ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A law that allows handguns in Tennessee bars and restaurants is being challenged once again in court.

Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman hears legal arguments on Friday.

In June, a group of Tennesseans filed suit to stop the law which allows handgun permit holders to take their weapons into places serving alcohol, providing the establishment makes more than 50 percent of its profits from food.

Bonnyman denied that request, but did agree to hear the case on the merits that the new law is too vague to be fairly enforced.

Critics have repeatedly said guns and alcohol are a dangerous combination that jeopardizes patrons' safety, and they also contend the measure is unconstitutional.