KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- It's once again illegal for you to carry a handgun into Tennessee bars even if you have a permit.

A Nashville judge has struck down the state law. There was controversy when the guns in bars law first passed.

Patrick Sullivan's Saloon in the Old City was once known for it's gun-slinging guests.

"I've had people try to take a swing at me but never pull out a gun," says bartender Ryan Williams.

But Sullivan's staff say they'll take Friday's ruling, feeling a little safer that guns will be kept out of bars once again.

"I'd be a lot more at ease if I knew that they weren't carrying guns at the time because people have a tendency of getting angry when you tell them they can't have more alcohol," says Williams.

"It doesn't need to be here," says Christa Ross, a waitress.

A law letting permit holders carry guns as long as they were sober went into effect in July. But a group of Nashville area restaurant owners filed suit, and a judge ruled the law unconstitutional because it's ambiguous.

Patrons say it may not make much difference. "You figure they probably were doing it anyway even before the law," says 'Doc' Gilchrist.

One state lawmaker says its not so much about what goes on inside the bar, but the safety and protection of people on their way out.

"If the judge was working third shift at a restaurant and had to walk to her car at night, unprotected, we wouldn't be having this conversation," says State Sen. Tim Burchett (R- District 7).

Sen. Burchett says the idea behind the bill is protection, not violence.

"The constitution's pretty clear the right to keep and bear arms. and unfortunately this activist judge didn't see fit to follow that," he says.

Sen. Burchett says the Legislature will clear up the bill and pass it again next year, which wouldn't surprise those at the bar.

"It'll come back again I'm sure," says Gilchrist.

No word yet from the state as to whether they will appeal the decision.