Legal, but Not Always Wanted

Jim Sollo, president of Virginians Against Handgun Violence, said his group believes the combination of guns and alcohol will eventually lead to trouble. He's counting on the recent episodes to stir up support for Howell's legislation next year.

"We hope that the public is frightened, nervous about this, and gets in touch with their legislator," Sollo said. "We think open carrying is dangerous. Sooner or later one of these guys is going to do something stupid or an unfortunate accident is going to happen."

But Van Cleave, a former Texas deputy sheriff who said most gun owners are law-abiding citizens, stressed that restaurant and other business owners already can bar weapons from their businesses if they choose. He said his members respect those choices and are advised to "politely leave" if asked.

The league's Web site includes a list of so-called "gun owner unfriendly" businesses and restaurants, including The Bungalow, that do not allow weapons.

Officials at the Richmond-based Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association, which represents restaurants statewide, said the group has opposed efforts to allow concealed weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol but took no position on Howell's proposed legislation.

Danny Mitchell, the association's executive vice president, said that while openly carried weapons may make some patrons uncomfortable, any potential problems are more likely to be avoided if employees and customers are aware of a weapon.

"It's a dangerous combination to have weapons in places that serve alcohol, and if everybody knows it then people can deal with it beforehand," Mitchell said.

Mike Stollenwerk, the man who was asked to leave The Bungalow that March evening, says he ordered a mineral water and it was his wife who had the margarita. Moreover, he said he often openly carries his weapon in restaurants and "if people feel uncomfortable I've never noticed it."

Stollenwerk said his wife likes the food at The Bungalow but they won't be back. "There's no reason for me to spend my money there," he said.