(NEWS CENTER Maine) -- An off-duty FBI agent was dancing in a Denver bar when his firearm fell out of his pants onto the floor and discharged, injuring a man.
Discussion is growing on social media about if people should be allowed to carry firearms in bars.
In Maine, people over age 21 can carry concealed weapons without a permit, a law that changed in October 2015.
However, the law prohibits people from carrying in places like bars or restaurants where on-site liquor consumption is allowed -- as long as the business posts that no firearms are allowed.
Additionally, even if a business does not post prohibiting firearms, it is illegal under Maine law for a person to carry a firearm while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
"Responsible gun owners realize that alcohol and guns don't mix," said Peter Joyce, a veteran police officer who has taught gun safety courses for more than 30 years. "When you're angry and you're trying to defend yourself -- if it turns to that -- it's really quick and easy to spontaneously grab that gun and point it at somebody and press that trigger. That's what they want to avoid by creating these laws."
Joyce said he sees people use guns incorrectly all the time, even before they pull the trigger. Joyce is the owner and president of SRT Concepts, which teaches firearms training, safety, and situational awareness and tactics. He said most of his clientele are people who are new to owning firearms.
"When they first take possession of that gun, their finger always goes on the trigger. That increases the chances of having an accident," said Joyce. "You treat that gun -- even if you know it's empty -- as if it's loaded."
