Panel backs narrow change to concealed-carry posting rules for 'series 12' restaurants

Senate Bill 10-12 would adjust the state's posting exception for properly permitted concealed-carry (CCW) holders specifically for 'series 12' restaurants — establishments whose primary business is food sales and that carry a particular liquor-license type. The sponsor described the change as narrow and technical, stressing CCW holders are subject to background checks, training and permitting requirements.

Don Isaacson, representing a coalition of liquor retail associations, testified in respectful opposition and said the bill would allow gun-carry rights to override property owners’ decisions, jeopardize leases and insurance, and create confusion about which license types permit firearms on premises. "This bill does is override the decision of restaurants that come to a conclusion, we don't want guns in our establishment," Isaacson said.

Michael Infantzen, representing the Arizona Citizens Defense League and the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, testified in favor and described the bill as a narrow statutory correction that does not expand who may carry, and said trespass remedies remain available to property owners.

Committee members asked technical questions about signage requirements under Arizona Revised Statutes and how restaurants and patrons would comply. The committee moved and voted to return SB 10-12 with a due-pass recommendation.

Votes and next steps: the committee recorded a do-pass recommendation on SB 10-12; the tally recorded in committee was 6 ayes, 2 nays, and 2 absent. The bill will proceed with the committee's recommendation and is expected to reach the next floor step subject to any floor amendments.