I, the signatory of this petition, do hereby affirm that:
- Whereas North Carolina concealed handgun permit-holders have proven themselves sane, sober and law-abiding for 16 years, with a revocation rate for the 395,251 permits approved of only 0.30% and virtually no reported crimes;
- Whereas in the 16 years since concealed carry became law, State Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Data demonstrates that overall violent crime has dropped by 43.5%, murder by 47%, rape by 35%, robbery by 43%, and aggravated assault by 44%;
- Whereas allowing concealed handguns in restaurants has become law within the last two years in Virginia, Tennessee and Ohio without reported problems, bringing to thirty-seven (37) the number of states with such laws;
- Whereas crime in Virginia restaurants dropped by 5.2% in the first twelve months of their law;
- Whereas concealed handgun permit-holders will still be prohibited from imbibing alcohol while carrying firearms; and
- Whereas lawful North Carolinians have a right to protect their families and themselves from violent predators:
I do hereby demand that immediately upon returning to session, the North Carolina General Assembly pass legislation using the language contained in Section 1 of House Bill 111, Version 4, to enable concealed handgun permit-holders to carry firearms in restaurants, including restaurants with alcohol permits. I will monitor action on this issue via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.
