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Proposed Daytona Beach gun range considers serving alcohol

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Volusia County business owner wants to combine a shooting range with a restaurant that serves alcohol, which has some worried about customer safety.

The concept would be the third of its kind in the U.S., and the proposed site sits off Interstate 95 and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

City leaders told Channel 9 they hope the business is successful because of its location, and the owner said there will be several ways to keep customers on both sides of the business safe.

Business owner Ron Perkinson said they'll track those drinking alcohol by using their driver's licenses. He said those people will not be allowed to shoot if they're drinking.

Raw: Owner describes concept, safety precautions to WFTV

Perkinson said he plans to reinforce the building for shooting, so nearby businesses like the Daytona Beach Flea Market are also safe.

Perkinson opened Volusia Top Gun a few years ago. With his experience selling guns, he's looking to grow his business into an indoor shooting range with a cafe that serves both food and alcohol.

"Safety is obviously key and No. 1 for not only me, but everyone else there. Everything is going to be revolved around safety," he said.

Perkinson insists serving drinks is not his focus, and families and gun safety are. He said safety would start by separating guns from the café where alcohol is served.

"Guns, whether you're planning to have a drink afterwards or not, will not be allowed in the café area at all," he said.

Perkinson said those wanting to drink will have to swipe their ID, which would then ban them from entering the shooting range.

"Once your license is scanned for an alcoholic beverage, you'll be void of going on our range for 24 hours," he said.

Perkson's business is not first of its kind, but he said it's new for central Florida. He is consulting with a similar shooting range out of Oklahoma City that opened last year and also sells alcohol on site.