Wow, this one caught me by surprise. Great news for law abiding gun owners.  I would have thought for sure this would never get through the Democratic majority.

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Senate passed a bill that would allow people to carry concealed handguns in restaurants or clubs, but would prohibit them from drinking alcohol on the premises.

The Senate voted 24-15 on Tuesday in favor of Republican Senator Emmett Hanger’s bill, which makes it a misdemeanor for those carrying a concealed handgun to drink alcohol at such venues.

Current law allows gun owners to bring their weapons into a restaurant or club only if they are visible, and only if the business owner has not prohibited it.

Under the legislation, those carrying concealed handguns into restaurants or clubs would be required to inform an employee that they have a weapon.