What Does a Gun Ban in Bars Mean for Law-Abiding Citizens?

Across the country, legislation aimed at restricting where responsible gun owners can lawfully carry continues to advance, often under the guise of “public safety.” But who determines what constitutes safety—and at what cost to our fundamental freedoms?

Recently, the Burlington Police Chief testified in support of a controversial new gun-control measure that seeks to prohibit firearms in bars and establishments where alcohol is served. Though the proposal may seem benign at first glance, it raises critical questions about the erosion of our Second Amendment rights and the growing disconnect between elected officials and the communities they serve.

The Proposal: A Step Too Far?

In the state of Vermont—a place where self-reliance and responsible gun ownership have long been cornerstones of the culture—the proposed legislation is stirring up strong opinions. The police chief backing the bill argued that the presence of guns in venues serving alcohol “increases risk,” referencing a few isolated incidents as justifications for the ban. However, this approach penalizes thousands of law-abiding citizens based on the actions of a rare few.

Let’s be honest: criminals don’t follow laws. If someone intends to commit harm, the presence of a “No Guns Allowed” sign outside a bar won’t deter them. But what it will do is ensure that responsible gun owners, who would otherwise be able to defend themselves and others, are now disarmed and vulnerable.

Why This Matters for South Carolina Residents

This issue matters to gun owners everywhere, including here in Fountain Inn, South Carolina. At Fortress Firearms Training, we teach confidence, responsibility, and situational awareness—key traits of responsible firearm owners. The push to ban firearms in specific public or semi-public spaces erodes those very responsibilities we work hard to instill. If this kind of legislation can pass in traditionally gun-friendly Vermont, it can happen anywhere.

Second Amendment Rights Under Siege

Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense, not just for use in the home but anywhere a citizen might face danger. When laws are implemented that restrict carrying in certain places, it sets a dangerous precedent—especially when the basis for such restrictions is rooted in emotion rather than facts.

Consider this:

• Law-abiding citizens are statistically not the ones causing gun violence in public spaces. In fact, concealed carry permit holders are among the most law-abiding groups in the country.
• Prohibiting guns in certain locations doesn’t prevent gun violence—it simply turns those places into targets. “Gun Free Zones” have long been shown to attract those wishing to cause harm while facing the least resistance.
• This policy punishes responsible gun owners—individuals who go through training, background checks, and legal channels—by removing their ability to protect themselves in unpredictable scenarios.

A Local Perspective: Fortress Firearms Training Weighs In

At Fortress Firearms Training, we support our constitutional right to bear arms and train with an emphasis on responsibility and accountability. This proposed bill, like many others, does not consider the rigorous preparation concealed carry permit holders undergo. Instead, it targets them unfairly.

We teach our students to make smart decisions—such as not mixing alcohol with firearms—and hold them to the highest standards. The idea that all gun owners are reckless enough to take a firearm into a bar, become intoxicated, and pose a danger to others is not only misleading but insulting.

Here are just a few principles we emphasize during training:

• Total abstinence from alcohol when carrying a firearm.
• Understanding legal boundaries and respecting property rights.
• Developing a mindset focused on de-escalation, awareness, and responsibility.

These values counter the narrative that legislation like this is necessary. Instead of knee-jerk policy making, we need smarter solutions that empower communities rather than disarm them.

What’s the Bigger Picture?

The Burlington Police Chief’s support of this proposal fits into a broader trend: the legislative chipping away at one of our most sacred rights. If gun bans in bars pass, what’s next? Restaurants? Public parks? Churches? The incremental nature of firearm restrictions is the real danger, especially when backed by leadership with disregard for the daily realities faced by law-abiding citizens.

The sad truth is this: every new restriction gives criminals an edge and strips responsible citizens of their natural right to self-defense. It sends a message that the government doesn’t trust its people to behave responsibly. At Fortress Firearms Training, we find that perspective offensive and fundamentally anti-American.

What You Can Do

We believe in inspiring action through education. Here’s what you can do to protect your rights and stay prepared:

• Stay informed about proposed legislation both in your state and nationwide.
• Support 2A advocacy groups working to defend your constitutional rights.
• Continue your firearms education through reputable instructors and training courses.
• Encourage your friends and family to do the same—and to vote accordingly.

And, most importantly, take responsibility for your own safety. It’s clear that bad actors won’t hesitate, and legislation can’t arrive fast enough when danger pops up. Your preparation, mindset, and commitment to training are your best tools for protection.

Train with Purpose at Fortress Firearms Training

If you’re looking to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of responsible concealed carry, come train with us at Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC. We offer practical, no-nonsense instruction that equips you for the real world—not a sanitized version of it imagined by out-of-touch legislators.

We believe in freedom, personal responsibility, and the importance of knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Don’t wait until your rights are gone to begin caring about them. Take a stand now. Train today. Educate tomorrow. And never apologize for exercising your rights.