NRA convention faces liquor license problem

updated 6:06 p.m. ET May 5, 2009

PHOENIX - Phoenix Convention Center officials want state officials to suspend their liquor license — but only in part of the building — so National Rifle Association conventioneers can carry and exhibit guns.

Arizona state law bars people from carrying weapons in venues where liquor is served.

But the downtown Phoenix convention center's catering company wants to serve alcohol at next week's national convention.

It wants the partial license suspension so liquor service could be limited to areas where receptions or banquets are held and where people could check their weapons.

That would allow gun owners to have firearms elsewhere in the sprawling complex.

Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control spokeswoman Lee Hill calls the request unusual.

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