Commisioners in Florida gave the OK Wednesday evening to allow the opening of a 12-lane gun range, retail store and upscale restaurant that sells booze in a vacant building in Daytona Beach, near Interstate 95.
Before voting on the measure, commissioners were concerned about how safe it would be to have a combination of both alcohol and live ammo available on the same property, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
While submitting the proposal, business owner Ron Perkinson and partner Edward Staudt went over the measures they would take to ensure safety and order was maintained in their store. They said customers who order alcoholic drinks would have their license scanned by employees, and they would be blocked from shooting directly afterward.
Customers can rent or bring their own guns, but all of them would be required to sign an affidavit stating they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol before they would be permitted to fire at one of 12 gun lanes, according to Raw Story.
Lastly, the pair promised they would keep a watch list of customers who cause trouble and call police when necessary.
After hearing the proposal, some of the commissioners voiced their opinion on the matter.
"I've gone back and forth on this," said Commissioner Pam Woods, who later cast a yes vote.
"I was leery," echoed Commissioner Patrick Henry, who also supported the business.
Commissioner Rob Gilliland noted other shooting ranges in the area had fewer safety precautions in place and yet few problems were reported at those establishments. In the end, all except one commissioner voted yes for the proposal, reported dbtechno.
The lone standout, Commissioner Ruth Trager, wasn't convinced by the owners' speech, and argued whether they or any employees would know if someone is sober or a felon.
"It's a very unique opportunity," said Gilliland, whose zone will include the new venture. Similar businesses have "proven in other parts of the country it's safe," he said.
Perkinson said he would post signs warning that guns are not permitted in the dining area, however he admitted no employees would know if a person was legally carrying a concealed firearm without a metal detector.
