Country star Toby Keith sparks outrage after banning GUNS from his new Virginia restaurant

Daily Mail (UK) ^ | 17:34 EST, 28 December 2013 | Snejana Farberov

[Olog-hai]

Country star, actor and restaurateur Toby Keith sparked a controversy after banning guns from his newly opened eatery in Virginia.

The 52-year-old Oklahoma native held a grand opening last week for his newest venture, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill in the DC suburb of Woodbridge.

But many of the singer’s fans who turned up for the event were shocked to discover a sign in the window that announced: “NO GUNS PERMITTED.” …

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

Free country. He can do what he wants.

[ottbmare]

Clearly doesn’t understand his customer base. If they make this type of misstep before the place is even open, I predict it will be closed in a year. Probably don’t even know how to make grits.

[madison10]

The restaurant is in D.C. I don’t think it’s odd that they wouldn’t allow guns. As you said, he can do what he wants, it’s his restaurant.

[cripplecreek]

I’m guessing liability is a big concern. If someone gets shot either intentionally or accidentally in his place the lawyers will be seeking the big bucks. Insurance rates are probably incredible for him as it is.

I guess he could have people sign release forms at the door but those only give so much protection.

[kjam22]

I know Toby. He’s kinda like Phil Robertson. He calls it like he sees it.... and he does what he wants. If banning guns in there makes it go belly up... he’ll move on to something else. But he’ll do it his way.

[Riley]

I live a short distance from this place. Will skip it, there are other places in Potomac Town Center, or whatever they call it. I go to REI in there and Wegman’s once in a while.

[KevinB]

It’s actually not his restaurant. He has licensed his name to the operators. As you say, though, the operators can make whatever rule they want since 2A doesn’t apply to private establishments.

[kjam22]

BTW... he has a very successful restaurant under same name in OKC.

[Chode]

it's in Virginia....

[E. Pluribus Unum]

The whole idea of concealed carry is that nobody has to know.

[HiTech RedNeck]

I was thinking something similar... insurance concerns. Well, live and learn. Maybe if he runs a second one he will site it in a more weapons-friendly spot. If I was in that spot I’d have a pistols required night. (Those without one would get a free cardboard replica, with advertising on it.)

[Fiji Hill]

It’s not in DC but Virginia, where gun laws aren’t as restrictive.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

If someone gets shot either intentionally or accidentally in his place the lawyers will be seeking the big bucks.

And if someone gets killed in a "gun-free zone" the same thing should happen.

[Revolting cat!]

I can’t eat without the gun in my pocket.

[ROCKLOBSTER]

Those without one would get a free cardboard replica, with advertising on it.

Would the advertising say "Easy Mark" on it?

[SunkenCiv]

If you want to make a souffle’, you have to achy-breaky a few eggs.

[snoringbear]

“I know Toby. He’s kinda like Phil Robertson. He calls it like he sees it.... and he does what he wants. If banning guns in there makes it go belly up... he’ll move on to something else. But he’ll do it his way.”

Aww, ain’t he something. Well, I’m going to do it my way too. And, that would be to not buy any Toby Keith products from now on. So, how about that, lol!

[demshateGod]

His customer base doesn't understand him. He's a progressive who pushes cultural rot.

[yarddog]

He can do what he wants and I can do what I want.

One of the things I want to do is stay away from any place which bans guns.