From the state that brought us "Ruff's Liquor and Guns," an establishment that sells booze, guns, tobacco, and porn:

The Arizona Legislature has approved a bill that permits patrons to take guns into bars and restaurants that do not conspicuously post notices prohibiting firearms.  The bill (SB1363) provides that the rootin' tootin' gun-totin' customers can't drink alcohol - a compromise the State Senate reached.  So now bartenders across Arizona will have to ask their patrons, "What'll be, and are you packing heat?" 

Arizona law already permits its citizens to carry concealed firearms.

Earlier this month Loren Wade, a talented but troubled running back for the Arizona State University football team, was indicted for first degree murder for shooting to death a former teammate outside a nightclub.  The Legislature's response, of course, is to encourage more drunks to carry guns.  Lawmakers are concerned that gun owners heretofore have been forced to leave their weapons inside their cars.

As the self-proclaimed pro-gun member of the Iron Mouth editorial board, I have to applaud the Arizona Legislature for its wisdom.  At last I can sit down at a classy restaurant knowing that if they screw up my order, I can do more than leave a lousy tip.  There's nothing like a loaded Glock to cure a soggy chimichanga.

Update, 4/26/05 (RW): Governor Janet Napolitano vetoes the bill.