A recent article in the Marietta Times covered the proposed changes to Ohio law (SB239 and HB203) that would make it legal for a person who has a concealed carry license to carry their firearm into any place that serves food even if they serve liquor (HB203) or any place that serves liquor (SB239) as long as the permit holder isn't drinking.
As the article points out, The Ohio restaurant association and Fraternal Order of Police have come out against the proposed changes. The Buckeye State Sheriff's Association has as well. But why?
They claim it is a "bad idea" and warm about "mixing guns and alcohol." Yet approximately 40 states, including every single state surrounding Ohio, have some provision in their law for carrying guns in places where alcohol is served. Nobody can explain why there would be a problem here when there aren't problems in those states.
Not to mention the fact that it is ALREADY LEGAL to carry in anyone's home or backyard (think summer BBQs) as long as you're not drinking. You can also go to any restaurant or bar and leave your gun in your car. As long as it isn't stolen, the State trusts you to not be impaired as you drive home with that gun. Why would it be any different in a building a few hundred feet away? They are making a mountain our of a molehill and seeing the bogeyman where there isn't one.
The Times posted a comment by Ohio Sen. Jimmy Stewart, R-Athens.
"I've heard some compelling testimony from law-abiding citizens on where this law could be improved," he said. "I'm very much leaning toward making some changes, but I want to hear some more feedback from my constituents on this issue."
I'm quite sure he's not the only legislator who wants to hear from you. So log on to the Ohio legislature's website (http://ohio.gov/how/government.stm#4) and send an email to your Representative and Senator and make sure they know that you want this backwards law changed so that your right to self-defense isn't stripped because you "might" disregard the law.
Comments
OFCC is working the gun shows and explaining the new proposed bill to many people and almost everyone agrees it is a no brainer. I foresee a jump in calls to the State's Senators. This is simply a duplicated law that needs to go away.
If the Law-enforcement people were in every location to protect you that would be different, but they always show up after the fact; so what good does that do you; when you could of defended your self or someone else but had to leave your gun in the car to obey the law; that the bad guy does'nt acknowledge any way. So you are left helpless; because you obey the law. Now does'nt that make alot of since? If it was the people that pass these laws family members in harms way and no one to save them; they would probably change their minds.
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