Ohio Now Allows Concealed Carry of Firearms in Bars

Over the weekend it became legal in Ohio for concealed carry permit holders to bring a gun into a bar or other business where alcohol is served.

Governor John Kasich signed the new law, Senate Bill 17, in June and it went into effect over the weekend. The law prohibits those carrying a concealed weapon from drinking alcohol, however.

Ohio Senate Bill 17 allows the owner of a private establishment to decide whether or not to permit firearms inside. Some business have already welcomed the new firearm regulation. Crazy Fox Saloon Owner Larry William said in response to the law's passage "I like it, I think you should have the right to carry a gun."

But others proprietors have already posted signs banning firearms from the premises. One Ohioan bar owner told WBNS TV:

"What if something happens and they pull their guns? And they go to fire and they miss aim and on of my staff goes down, or one of my patrons go down? Now I have to explain that I don't want any part of that."

The new law also covers the legal transportation of a firearm in a vehicle. Under Ohio law, it is no longer a requirement that a concealed carry permit holder keep the weapon in a holster, lockbox, or in plain sight while operating a vehicle.

Ohio has joined 44 other states that allow concealed carry permit holders to bring weapons into establishments that serve alcohol.

Watch the video here, courtesy of WBNS TV: