New Concealed Gun Law in Ohio Becomes Law-Guns in Bars-Nightclubs-Stadiums-Shootouts in Bars Again?
Posted: Friday, June 17, 2011
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
Ohio Senate Bill 17 is about to be signed into law by Governor John Kasich soon. This bill will allow concealed firearms to be carried into all of Ohio’s Class D licensed liquor establishments. This included sports stadiums, bars, nightclubs, and shopping malls.
42 other states allow gun owners to carry concealed firearms into restaurants, however; most states do not allow carrying in bars and stadiums. Ohio State Representative Bill Patmon tried to pass an amendment to the law on behalf of The Cleveland Browns Stadium. He said, “An open-air arena is no place for a 9 mm”. His amendment was rejected.
This laws immanent passage scares many. However, many people do not know this law also comes with tight restrictions. A gun carrier cannot be drunk or drinking alcohol while at the place that serves alcohol. A violation is a fifth-degree felony, which is a serious criminal charge in Ohio. In addition, business owners can still post signs barring patrons from carrying concealed firearms in their establishments. Concealed carry patrons must follow those signs as well or face criminal charges. The new bill also allows a concealed carry licensee to transport or have a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle regardless of whether it is secured in a holster, case, bag, or box. Current law states that it must be holstered on the person or in a closed container with some latching mechanism or in the console or glove box.
Is this law going to bring about the old west days like in the early days of Dodge City? Will there be shootouts in bars or crazy fans shooting a few rounds at opposing teams at the Cleveland Browns Stadium? I think we will be pleasantly surprised. Actually, in Ohio shootings in bars have been at an increase of late. However, these people are carrying illegally and probably drinking as well. Ohio and National statistics show that people who legally carry concealed firearms are rarely involved in breaking of the law. It happens, but seldom. The majority of people who do carry concealed firearms seem to take its awesome responsibility very seriously and act as responsible citizens. Quite often, when someone is engaged with serious responsibility they rise to the occasion. This seems to be the case with concealed carry individuals.
Will there be criminal acts committed concerning this new law? Probably, but I think it will be surprisingly minimal. No matter where you stand on this law and issue, in Ohio it is here to stay. Treat everyone with respect and if you get into an argument in a bar, nightclub or for that matter anywhere, walk away and let it go if at all possible. Avoiding arguments or not letting them escalate into rage is the prudent thing to do no matter where you are at. It might be a tad more prudent now. However, I believe that if you are a law-abiding citizen, this new law will not negatively affect you.
42 other states allow gun owners to carry concealed firearms into restaurants, however; most states do not allow carrying in bars and stadiums. Ohio State Representative Bill Patmon tried to pass an amendment to the law on behalf of The Cleveland Browns Stadium. He said, “An open-air arena is no place for a 9 mm”. His amendment was rejected.
Is this law going to bring about the old west days like in the early days of Dodge City? Will there be shootouts in bars or crazy fans shooting a few rounds at opposing teams at the Cleveland Browns Stadium? I think we will be pleasantly surprised. Actually, in Ohio shootings in bars have been at an increase of late. However, these people are carrying illegally and probably drinking as well. Ohio and National statistics show that people who legally carry concealed firearms are rarely involved in breaking of the law. It happens, but seldom. The majority of people who do carry concealed firearms seem to take its awesome responsibility very seriously and act as responsible citizens. Quite often, when someone is engaged with serious responsibility they rise to the occasion. This seems to be the case with concealed carry individuals.
Will there be criminal acts committed concerning this new law? Probably, but I think it will be surprisingly minimal. No matter where you stand on this law and issue, in Ohio it is here to stay. Treat everyone with respect and if you get into an argument in a bar, nightclub or for that matter anywhere, walk away and let it go if at all possible. Avoiding arguments or not letting them escalate into rage is the prudent thing to do no matter where you are at. It might be a tad more prudent now. However, I believe that if you are a law-abiding citizen, this new law will not negatively affect you.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Great article. Well done.
I've been torn on gun laws lately - particularly after watching Penn and Tellers Bull$%&*@$%& episode. On the one hand I don't like guns on a personal level. However, I am a realist and liberal and see that people want guns. Also criminals will get guns regardless of the law and I'd rather the people had the power.
Also, I like the changes to the Kovacs Perspective Website - a vast improvement.I love Penn and Teller's show. Breaks down a lot of barriers that people thought were factual...love it. Anyway, guns are an awesome responsibility and as far as I have seen, here in the State's, most people who have gone through the process of getting licensed have been responsible with it. And it is true--bad guys can get guns and have done so where law abiding people did not use to--now they can. Interesting topic. Thanks for the words about the Site as well. Keep eating that Hagus!!!
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That statistic does surprise me, Steve, and it's good to know. I'm a bit skeptical though, as it seems to me opportunistic violence in places where passions tend to run high anyway and rationality is left at the door is just made that much easier. The thing I don't understand is why anybody would want to carry a gun into a bar or a stadium.Hi Jennifer,
It's great to hear from you as it's been a long time. That stat surprises many people. But it is true. As for why people want to carry guns, it probably runs quite deep for many but one reason for many people is that they want to be prepaired for major crime against them or their loved ones. Many say that the bad guy can and will get a gun even if it's illegal and many people feel they want a level playing field.
I carried a gun for 20 some years and I actually do not like wearing one on the rare occasions I carry because of all those years of having a huge "thing" on my hip has made it something I do not like. However, years ago when I wore it, off duty, in bad areas I always felt that the average good citizen was getting the shaft. He or she did nopt have the right for firearm protection as I did--and I thought it was unfare for me to be able to carry but not the average good guy--to protect himself. This has now changed througout the country. The debate continues...
Thanks and stay well my friend from South Africa,
Steve
I don't like guns of any kind, they should do away with them.It would probably be a good thing but it won't happen.
Steve
Goodness me Steve this is quite scary. If I'm reading this right, then I'm all for keeping a gun in the home to protect yourself if you live under threat from being harmed or burgled, and that men and women who uphold the law should carry a gun too, but as for carrying them around with you nearly everywhere you go is asking for trouble.
Keep well Steve
KacyThere are some people who carry them almost everywhere. So, if you take a trip to the States, be nice Kacy...be nice!
Thanks,
SteveI will Steve, I will. Stay safe
Kacy
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