COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) — South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley signed a bill Tuesday allowing people with Concealed Weapons Permit to carry their weapons into restaurants and bars. However, under the law they would not be allowed to drink alcohol and carry a concealed weapon.

“This is not a guns in bars bill, it was never a guns in bars bill. It is illegal to carry and consume alcohol. It was yesterday, it will be tomorrow,” said Governor Haley.

Business owners still have the right to ban patrons from carrying firearms into their establishments.

“If a restaurant does allow concealed weapons, a criminal is less likely to go into a restaurant knowing that there are people who are protecting themselves,” said Governor Haley.

Governor Haley believes with this law crime rates will go down.

The governor’s office says this bill renews South Carolina’s commitment to 2nd amendment rights, but also maintains the commitment to safe and responsible carry.What others are clicking on: