On Wednesday, city leaders convened at the Statehouse to advocate for a legislation aimed at restricting firearms in bars across Burlington. The initiative follows significant public support, demonstrated by nearly 87% of voters backing a charter change during Burlington Town Meeting Day in March.

The bill, known as S.131, successfully passed through the Vermont Senate in April. However, it has been pending in the House Committee on Government Operations without further progress. This current endeavor continues a series of attempts to establish such a ban, with city officials having previously sought legislation a decade ago, as well as renewed efforts last year after a tragic shooting occurred outside the Church Street venue Red Square in 2024.

Currently, bars in Burlington can display signs prohibiting firearms on their premises, but Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized that implementing the ban would facilitate better enforcement. She expressed concerns that the responsibility for enforcement falls solely on bar owners and staff who might lack law enforcement training, suggesting that legal backing from local police would enhance safety measures.

Senate Pro Tem Phil Baruth reiterated the importance of moving the bill forward and urged legislators to send the measure to the governor for consideration.