A measure to permit patrons to carry concealed handguns in businesses that draw over half of their revenue from alcohol cleared the South Dakota legislature and is now on the governor’s desk.
House Bill 1218 would repeal a six-year-old law prohibiting such actions. The Senate approved the bill after amendments were attached, and the House overwhelmingly agreed with the upper chamber’s version.
Supporters noted that individual establishments remain free to bar concealed weapons if they choose, and it remains illegal to possess a firearm while intoxicated.
Proponents declared this gives proprietors the freedom to decide which model is best for their business.
Sen. Mykala Viota (R) introduced HB 1218 and reiterated that business owners have the final say on whether they will allow patrons to carry concealed weapons.
“If they want to [prohibit] to conceal or open carry, they have the right to refuse service to that person, so I just want to make that point as well,” Viota explained.
South Dakota borders Montana and Minnesota, both permitting concealed carry in bars. Second Amendment advocates argue that allowing law-abiding citizens to exercise their rights erases yet another vulnerable “gun-free” zone and enables self-defense rights.
The bill also allows government employees to carry weapons while on public property. A Hartford city worker was stopped from carrying on city property due to the municipality’s policy, which prompted Rep. Aaron Aylward (R) to push for change.
The overriding purpose of HB 1218, Aylward explained, was to eradicate “gun-free” zones. “Attorney General [Marty] Jackley (R) said you’re going to have to take this up with state law and change state law.”
That’s precisely what he and his colleagues are attempting to do.
New South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden (R), a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, was asked about the bill last week. He told a press conference gathering that he had not read the proposal and thus could not comment on possible actions.
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