DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Plans to bring a new business to Volusia County that would mix guns with alcohol are now one step closer to happening.
The story first captured headlines in June after a proposal to open a new indoor gun range that would connect to a restaurant that sells alcohol in Daytona Beach.
The city planning board initially recommended against the range if alcohol was sold, but business owner Ron Perkinson say precautions will be taken so that no one who drinks will be allowed to use any weapons.
Perkinson said before shooting at the range, customers will fill out a form, asking if they have been drinking or using drugs. Workers will also look for signs of impairment. If there's any hint of alcohol on a customer's breath, they will not be allowed to shoot.
"If they're renting a handgun, or if they were bringing their own, they would do the paperwork, scan their ID," said Perkinson. "(Workers) will be trained to visually look at the person, look at their eyes (and) look at their pupils, just like an officer would."
He's going even further to keep customers safe:
- A computer system will track who has been drinking.
- If you drink, you can't shoot for 24 hours.
- If anyone in your group drinks, none can shoot.
- There's a three drink limit for all customers.
Perkinson said he hopes selling beer and liquor will keep customers in his store after they've gone shooting.
"To the critics, I say, 'You're right.' I'm not trying to mix the two. I'm trying to give you a nice meal before you go home. If you choose to have an alcoholic beverage and go home, that's on you. It's no different than them leaving here and going to Outback," said Perkinson.
He hopes to open his business in October, adding as many as 70 new jobs in what he's calling a family-friendly facility.
Commissioners gave the initial approval to the business Wednesday night. A final vote will be held in two weeks.