On Friday, Montana Governor Steve Bullock vetoed House Bill 494, the restaurant carry bill, which aimed to lift a restriction on concealed carrying in restaurants that serve alcohol.

“Establishments that serve alcohol are often gathering places in Montana,” Bullock said. ” It is not uncommon for a bar to also serve food and for family restaurants to also serve alcohol. HB 494 introduces uncertainty for both concealed weapon permit holders and bar and restaurant owners about which rules apply in which establishments.”

Governor Bullock submitted an amendatory veto to the measure to allow Montanans to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense while patronizing a restaurant where alcohol is NOT served, which is already legal.

The NRA-ILA said Bullock’s actions were essentially an attempt to “camouflage of his continued opposition to the self-defense rights of law-abiding citizens, as it is already legal to carry a concealed firearm in a restaurant that does not serve alcohol. ”

“I have been and will continue to be a strong advocate for second amendment rights of the citizens of Montana,” Bullock continued. “I am, however, also an advocate for common sense. I am proposing amendments that reflect the common sense I believe most Montanans value. My amendment will clarify that a person may only carry concealed in restaurants where alcohol is not served.”

The legislature, which was in recess for Easter, will consider Bullock’s amendments when they reconvene today.