WOODBRIDGE, Va. (WTVR/WJLA) - A new restaurant in Virginia is in the scope of controversy after the manager posted a sign on its front door that said "no guns permitted."
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill recently opened at Potomac Town Center and the small sign has unleashed a big debate.
“A gun does not belong in a bar. People get stupid,” Kathy Schuster of Woodbridge said.
“More and more they’re taking freedoms from people,” Laura Curran of New Hampshire said.
“I’m kind of disappointed, considering the name on there,” Ed McQueen of Woodbridge said.
By law, Virginia residents can carry a gun without a license, but police said the "no guns" sign at a private business supersedes that law.
“Do I feel more secure having a drink with no guns around? Sure,” Tom Jacobs of Hawaii said.
This is not the first restaurant or bar in Virginia to have a "no guns" sign, but it seems that since this one has the name Toby Keith attached to it, people are upset.
People have taken to Facebook to express their feelings.
Toby Keith does not own the restaurant chain, rather he has licensed the name. He’s performed at National Rifle Association events, has supported gun events and has written songs about guns.
That is what has some fans now puzzled.
“It’s kind of not telling us exactly what is his true belief in this,” says Linda Mills of Woodbridge.
On Facebook, the restaurant says, "We at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill have adopted a no weapons policy. It is our desire to provide a safe, enjoyable, and entertaining experience for our patrons and staff.”
“I don’t think you have to be against guns to not want them in your restaurant,” Judy Peacock of Dale City said.
