As of today, Georgians with carry permits can bring their firearm into restaurants that serve alcohol, aboard public transportation, and in state parks.
“Which is a great benefit for folks who have carry permits and need to use public transportation which is often very dangerous for them. Prior to this they would have to actually disarm themselves, expose themselves to danger,” said Jon McMullen, the owner of Shooters of Columbus.
But could carrying guns into restaurants that serve alcohol increase gun violence?
“Guns and alcohol generally should be kept separate. So it just depends on how responsible people are,” he explained.
Adding that just because someone owns a gun does not mean they know how to use it. McMullen said taking safety precautions is always necessary.
“A quality holster and familiarity and practice with the firearm they're actually carrying,” he said.
This law only applies to permitted gun holders and there are about 300,000 of them in Georgia. But one restaurant owner says she just can't understand why anyone would need to carry a gun into a restaurant.
“I don't really think it's a good idea. I don't like guns,” said Julie Nowell, the owner of Café Amici.
Adding that she believes guns are useful for hunting, but not to carry every day.
“I don't think guns should really come into any altercations,” she said.
“Because I just have a fear of guns.”
Governor Perdue signed the bill into law in May. Critics and supporters say it's the largest expansion of gun rights in Georgia in decades.