Even though The Ohio Restaurant Association, The Ohio Licensed Beverage Association, The Fraternal Order of Police and 80% of Ohio voters were opposed, Governor John Kasich on Thursday signed into law a bill that allows gun owners in the state to carry concealed weapons into bars and other places where alcohol is served.
The measure, which was forwarded to Kasich on June 22 by the Ohio General Assembly, was signed on Thursday afternoon. Kasich is scheduled to sign the Ohio budget later Thursday.
Businesses can ban concealed weapons on their premises for safety reasons if the want to and some, like the Cincinnati Bengals football team, have indicated they will continue to bar gun owners from bringing firearms into the stadium.
The law also prohibits gun owners from consuming alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they carry their weapons into bars.
The new laws allow residents to carry concealed handguns into licensed establishments in the state, including shopping malls and sporting venues.
The new law also allows a person with a concealed carry license to transport a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle without securing it in a holster, case, bag or box -- and allows them to remove a handgun from a secure location.
Related:
ProgressOhio In The News: New Bill Would Allow Concealed Carry At Daycare Centers, College Campuses
Editorial: Allowing Guns In Bars A Bad Idea
ProgressOhio Delivers Nearly 3,000 Letters, Signatures Against Guns in Bars
80% Of Ohio Opposes Guns in Bars. Stop It From Passing Today!
