NASHVILLE -- Senators on Thursday easily overrode Gov. Phil Bredesen's veto of the latest "guns in bars" bill.
The sponsor of the measure, Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, charged that the governor's veto message "attempts to fuel emotions and fears."
Senators voted 22-10. The House is expected to take up the veto as early as next week.
In his veto message to the General Assembly, issued last week, Gov. Bredesen said "guns and alcohol don't mix" and asserted the latest version of the bill is an "even more expansive and dangerous form" than the "reckless" version he vetoed a year ago.
Last year's bill was overridden by lawmakers, as well, but later was struck down by a judge for being unconstitutionally vague because permit holders could enter establishments that met certain food service requirements.
This year's bill seeks to cure last year's problems by stripping out any mention of food requirements, thus making it legal for handgun-permit holders to go armed in any establishment selling alcohol for on-premises consumption.
The list includes restaurants such as O'Charley's as well as bars, nightclubs, beer taverns, honky tonks, museums, theaters, zoos and other facilities with state liquor or local beer licenses. Permit holders could lose their licenses if caught drinking.
Establishments can post signs banning guns from their premises.
During debate this year, Sen. Jackson said that, in vetoing the measure last year, the governor spoke of a lack of "safeguards."
"What are the safeguards to which the governor refers?" Sen. Jackson asked. "It remains a mystery."
He castigated news media and critics, saying "with over 300,000 permits now issued in the state of Tennessee, and that number increasing by approximately 5,000 a month, we have a clear record of safety and responsibility that is irrefutable."
Sen. Beverly Marrero, D-Memphis, said during debate that "there are those of us who do not think that it's a good idea to have guns in bars and places that serve drinks."
According to news accounts, at least five permit holders have been charged in shooting deaths over the past 15 months, including a dispute over parking outside a restaurant. A 69-year-old man was arrested recently at an East Tennessee retirement community after he allegedly shot a 74-year-old man in a road-rage incident.
HOW THEY VOTEDDewayne Bunch (R) Cleveland -- YesBo Watson (R) Hixson -- YesKen Yager (R) Harriman -- YesAndy Berke (D) Chattanooga -- NoSource: The Associated Press
Police and hospitality organizations this year gave up trying to fight the bill, which was pushed by the National Rifle Association and Tennessee Firearms Association.
Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, was one of the senators who voted to uphold the governor's veto, later calling it "a bad bill that's gotten worse."
"It's gone from a bill that had guns in some restaurants to a bill that has guns everywhere, and we should really be concerned," he said. "Guns and alcohol don't mix."
The senator said "we shouldn't have people in these dangerous situations who may be trained in firearms, but not trained on emergency situations in which anything can occur."
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, R-Blountville, said the legislative override was "no surprise" given the measure's broad support.
"I do believe that this one will withstand court challenges. I do believe the last court challenge was a politically motivated decision," said Lt. Gov. Ramsey, who is running for governor.