By Gavin Off and Sarah Ellis, Charlotte Observer
Members of Moms Demand Action, a group that formed after the school massacre in Newtown, Conn., last year, are hoping McCrory vetoes the bill.
Suzanne Rallis Conway, regional manager for Moms Demand Action, said allowing guns in bars, playgrounds and in locked cars on school property is asking for trouble.
“There are too many things that can go wrong,” she said.
A far-reaching bill that expands the places where permit holders can legally carry concealed weapons is drawing praise from gun rights advocates and criticism from some local officials and business owners.
The bill, approved by the N.C. General Assembly, could be signed as early as Thursday by Gov. Pat McCrory. It allows concealed-carry permit holders to take handguns to a range of places, including bars and parks, and store them in locked cars on government, school or university property.
Supporters said the bill will make neighborhoods safer, since concealed-carry permit holders have been vetted by authorities.
But opponents contend that allowing guns where alcohol is served or where children play will only lead to problems.
“How does it make schools safer if guns are stored in locked cars?” asked Jonathan Sink, legislative liaison for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Police chiefs at all 16 University of North Carolina colleges opposed the measure.
