New Mexicans licensed to carry concealed handguns could soon be sitting right next to you at your favorite restaurant. The House bill passed Sunday 53 to 14, but some people say liquor and guns don't mix.
At Paisano's Italian restaurant, owner Rick Camuglia is excited about SB40, a bill that allows concealed carry by licensed gun owners into restaurants that serve beer and wine.
"I think it's excellent," Camuglia said. "I think that if most of my customers were concealed carry holders, this would be the safest place that you could be in the state of New Mexico."
But former Albuquerque Mayor Jim Baca, who used to be the state's liquor director in the '80s, said restaurant employees already have enough to do before checking whether someone has a valid concealed weapons permit.
"Whatever happened to the old rule that you check your guns at the door?" said Baca. "I'm not against guns. I own guns, have lots of guns, I've always been a sport shooter, but this is stupid.
"Just don't allow it, OK? Put 'em in a lock box and in the trunk of their car, if they're afraid it's going to get stolen, then don't bring the damn gun with them."
According to New Mexico state law, it's illegal for anyone with a concealed weapons permit to carry a concealed gun while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances.
"The old adage of guns aren't bad, the people are bad," said Camuglia. "So it's quite that simple."
But Baca had a different view.
"Liquor and guns don't mix," Baca said. "They knew that in the Old West, and we ought to have the brains to realize it now."
The Senate passed a similar bill on Friday.
Both chambers must pass the same version before it goes to the governor to be signed into law.