(09-29) 10:28 PDT PHOENIX (AP) -- A new Arizona law allowing people with concealed weapons permits to carry their guns into bars takes effect Wednesday. But many bars are pulling in the welcome mat.
The law allows bar and restaurant owners to post signs barring guns.
There's no official tally on how many of the 5,800 establishments that sell alcohol have posted signs, but the state says it has provided at least 1,300 laminated placards so far, and the signs are also available over the Internet.
The law was backed by the National Rifle Association, which argued that licensed gun owners shouldn't be forced to leave their protection behind.
The law, however, prohibits gun-carriers from drinking alcohol in the establishments.
The NRA says Arizona is the 41st state with such a law.