Beale Street Protecting Against Firearms

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee has taken a stand against legislation allowing guns in establishments that serve alcohol. Beale Street is a world famous strip of the city that stretches for almost two miles. It is largely comprised of blues clubs and restaurants. Beale Street is unique in that patrons are allowed to carry an alcoholic beverage in the street.

Due to the nature of Beale Street, bars and restaurants on this strip owe the majority of their sales to liquor. Beale Street has taken it upon themselves to protect their workers and patrons from possible violence and ban guns from the entire street. The district has issued a strict “no guns” policy. The district plans on enforcing the ban with signs posted liberally throughout the street, as well as screening on either side of the strip. Metal detectors will also be put into place to ensure no one carrying a firearm will enter.

Beale Street and its district feels it has a responsibility to protect its customers and workers. On July 5, 2009, five teens were shot when a gunmen opened fire outside a nightclub on Beale Street. The shooting took place before guns were legally allowed to be carried into bars and restaurants.

Beale Street partygoers, diners and shoppers alike will be subject to metal detection to enforce the gun ban on the street. All firearms are banned from the street, registered and unregistered.

To read the full story see TheMemphisDailyNews.com