The House Committee on Government Operations is discussing voter-approved charter changes in Burlington regarding firearms.

The changes would ban guns in establishments that serve liquor, allow law enforcement to remove a gun in a domestic violence situation, and  require safe storage of guns.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger and Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo testified during the hearing.

During his testimony Chief del Pozo compares gun ban at bars and restaurants to drunk driving.

“Cars turn into deadly weapons after drinking,” del Pozo said. “Guns already are deadly weapons.”

The charter changes were voted on Town Meeting Day in 2014. The  Legislature considered the changes during the Legislative session in 2015. Vermont State Law requires charter changes be approved by the State Legislature.