South Carolina residents may be able to take their guns out to dinner.

The state senate voted Wednesday to allow people with concealed weapon permits to carry their guns into restaurants.

The people Channel 9 spoke with said they don't have a problem with it.

"They have to go through the process of getting the permit, so those with the permit wouldn't be the ones to start the violence," said patron Chelsea Stevens.

The bill makes it illegal for people to drink alcohol while concealing a gun. Some said that should be changed to allow a glass of wine with dinner.

The legislation would protect the rights of restaurant owners. They would be able to decide whether permit holders could pack in their establishment.

"Giving business owners the option to see if they want to allow someone in under those terms is always favorable to me rather than government deciding what's best for us," said restaurant owner Tom Sacco.

The National Rifle Association said 45 states allow some form of concealed carry in restaurants.

South Carolina senators want to see this through but caution gun rights advocates not to do "something stupid."

The measure goes before the full judiciary committee next week.

"(It would) probably make me feel a little safer," said patron Meghan Campbell. "If something went down that was bad, I'd look at them to protect the other people in the restaurant."