Country star Toby Keith sparks outrage after banning GUNS from his new Virginia restaurant

Country star, actor and restaurateur Toby Keith sparked a controversy after banning guns from his newly opened eatery in Virginia.

The 52-year-old Oklahoma native held a grand opening last week for his newest venture, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in the DC suburb of Woodbridge.

But many of the singer's fans who turned up for the event were shocked to discover a sign in the window that announced:' NO GUNS PERMITTED.'



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Bold statement: A sign that says 'NO GUNS PERMITTED' is on display in Toby Keith's new restaurant in Woodbridge, Virginia

Uproar: Many of Keith's fans were outraged that the singer and restaurateur decided to prohibit weapons at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill

Virginia gun laws allow citizens to bring firearms into bars and restaurants as long as they are clearly visible, but individual owners are free to opt out, which is what Keith chose to do, the station MyFoxDC reported.

The move by the outspoken country star, who had previously voiced his support for pro-gun laws, caused an uproar on Facebook.

The account dedicated to Keith's new Virginia establishment filled with negative comments rebuking the singer for banning guns.

Many commenters expressed their disappointment with Keith and vowed to stay away from his business.

In a typical comment, user Joe DeVore wrote: 'No guns allowed? I guess Toby is a RINO [Republican In Name Only]. Why does he hate America so much?’

Others, however, rushed to Keith's defense, praising him for having the courage to say ‘no’ to guns.

Ron Natalie wrote: 'Don't let the wackos get you down. The Constitution applies to the government not a private property owner. Responsible firearms owners know drinking and loaded weapons do NOT mix.'

Neither Keith nor the manager of his new venture publicly commented on the controversy.

Even though many fans called for a boycott of Keith's restaurant over his gun ban, the hotspot had no shortage of customers at lunchtime Thursday, when people reportedly had to wait 20 minutes in line to get in.

Mixed messages: Despite the anti-gun stance on display at his eatery, the 52-year-old singer and actor has been a supporter of Second Amendment rights and even performed for the National Rifle Association



Gun enthusiast: Keith has long been an outspoken supporter of pro-gun laws and even titled his album from last year 'Bullets in the Gun'

The restaurant policy prohibiting the presence of firearms has caught many off guard considering Keith's past statements.

The singer, who is legally licensed to carry a gun, according to The Blaze, told the Boston Herald in 2011: 'I’m all about good people, licensed and trained, carrying a concealed weapon. The bad guys are always gonna be carrying guns.’

His album from 2010 was titled 'Bullets in the Gun,' and in 2003 Keith performed during a tribute to then-National Rifle Association President Charlton Heston in Florida.

Customers who were interviewed outside Keith’s eatery Thursday were on board with the gun ban.

‘Well, I think it's a great idea,’ Jayne Marconi told the station. ‘Anywhere there's an establishment that serves alcohol, I'm going to tell you right now, alcohol can make you do funny things.’