The Texas chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America released the statement below following the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) decision to drop proposed rules allowing establishments with an alcohol license to sell alcohol during gun shows.
STATEMENT FROM CLAIRE ELIZABETH, VOLUNTEER, MOMS DEMAND ACTION – TEXAS CHAPTER:
“At the hearing in August, we showed up as the voice of reason to say what we, Texas Moms, know: guns and alcohol just don’t mix. We applaud the TABC’s decision today to follow common sense and drop the proposed rules allowing alcohol sales at guns shows. Texans-– including those attending recent gun shows – didn’t think the proposed rules made any sense. This decision is a victory for safety and responsible gun ownership and we hope that this is a signal that we’ll see more reasonable policies from decision makers in Texas in the future.”
The Facts:
- Alcohol is associated with heightened levels of aggression. Consuming an intoxicating dose of alcohol increases the likelihood of violent behavior; significant quantities of alcohol stimulate the body, decrease anxiety, and disrupt cognition, all of which are directly linked to aggressive behavior.
- Nearly half of homicide offenders were found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of their crimes. A study by the Department of Justice found that 42% of convicted homicide offenders reported being under the influence of alcohol during the commission of their crime, and 52% of all violent offenders met diagnostic criteria for dependence on or chronic abuse of alcohol.
- The public strongly opposes allowing guns and alcohol to mix. The vast majority of Americans think regular citizens should not be allowed to bring guns into establishments serving alcohol or at which alcohol is present, including college campuses (94%), sports stadiums (94%), bars (93%), and restaurants (88%).
About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than 2 million supporters including moms, mayors, survivors, and everyday Americans who are fighting for reforms that respect the Second Amendment and protect people. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand