Toby Keith angers fans with no-guns policy at new restaurant

Toby Keith angered and surprised many with a no-guns policy at his newly opened restaurant, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Woodbridge, Va. The restaurant, named after the country music star’s hit “I love this bar,� has a “No guns permitted� sign posted on the front door.

Virginia is a gun-friendly state, but Keith, who has his name on more than 14 restaurants around the country, has a right to keep firearms out. In other private establishments in the state that choose to allow guns, patrons are permitted to carry a weapon, as long as it is not concealed.

Shortly after the restaurant opened, hundreds of people visited its Facebook page to express their views on the policy.

“Exactly when did fans of Toby Keith become dumb enough to think a “No Guns allowed� sign posted by management would protect them from criminals that don’t obey the law to start with?� wrote Facebook user Robert Beisheim. “Loved the concerts, but none of my money will ever be spent where I can’t defend myself.�

While some vowed to boycott the restaurant, others were happy to see the policy in action.

“I have been a bar manager for years and have always had a no firearms/weapons policy...� wrote Facebook user John Hicks. “Booze and bullets are a recipe for disaster. I applaud Mr. Keith’s decision regardless of the motive.�

Would you boycott or support a restaurant that had a no-guns policy in a gun-friendly state? Let us know in the comments below.

Want more restaurant news? Follow me on Twitter: @Jenn_Harris_

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