"Two bills that could have resulted in more concealed weapons in cars and restaurants were vetoed Tuesday by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who cited safety concerns and the objections of law enforcement officials.

One of the bills would allow people who don't have a concealed weapons permit to transport a gun in a locked glove box or other interior compartment of a vehicle.

The other would allow permit holders to carry concealed weapons into restaurants and bars as long as they didn't drink alcohol while doing so. Currently, guns must be visible when carried into a restaurant.

Kaine said his position on the guns-in-cars proposal has not changed since he vetoed similar legislation two years ago.

"This measure runs contrary to existing state law regarding concealed weapon permits, allowing persons who have not completed a criminal background check, and who are untrained with a handgun, to possess a firearm in a concealed manner within a locked compartment in their automobiles," Kaine said in a written statement.

"It also presents a danger to our law enforcement officers, who risk their lives for Virginians on a daily basis while patrolling our commonwealth's roads and highways. The objections of law enforcement to this measure are compelling."

He expressed similar concerns about the guns-in-bars bill." (Associated Press, The Daily Progress, March 5, 2008)