Ohio considering changes in concealed carry law ...

[spin]

PRO:

Bill for restaurant carry and vehicle gun transport reform introduced in Ohio

Ohio Senate Bill 239 was introduced yesterday by Senators Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, and Shannon Jones, R-Springboro. The bill has two primary provisions.

First, it contains a restaurant carry provision similar to House Bill 203 (that bill is currently still in committee). The reform in this bill would "permit a concealed carry licensee to possess a firearm in liquor permit premises, or an open air arena, for which a D permit has been issued if the licensee is not consuming liquor or under the influence of alcohol or a drug of abuse." Among other places, this would primarily remove the current prohibition which requires a concealed handgun licensee to leave his or her firearm in their vehicle while dining in an Applebee's or similar restaurant which happens to serve alcohol, leaving the gun vulnerable to theft and rendering the CHL holder defenseless.

The second provision would enact several reforms to Ohio's vehicle carry law. The net result is that a CHL holder could have a loaded firearm in a vehicle without restriction on the method of transport. It would no longer need to be in a holster or closed container.
http://www.examiner.com/x-2206-Cleveland-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2010m3d17-Bill-for-restaurant-carry-and-vehicle-gun-transport-reform-introduced-in-Ohio

CON:

Stop tinkering with concealed-carry law

Ohio's adoption of a concealed-carry law in 2004 created quite a stir over what's turned out to be largely unfounded concerns.

There haven't been shootouts in the streets or on freeways. Workplace violence hasn't increased because employees could carry a gun to work. Criminals who never follow gun laws ignore this one, too.

***snip***

To us, the law has been a success thanks to its detailed nature and strict controls on when and how people can carry loaded weapons. It's found a balance between gun rights and common sense safety.

But some state lawmakers, including state Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, want to change concealed carry by tossing out rules for how guns must be carried in vehicles and allowing permit holders to carry guns into businesses with Class D liquor permits, including grocery stores, restaurants and bars.

Both are profoundly poor ideas earning strong opposition from law enforcement and businesses alike.

***snip***

While it would be nice for laws to be consistent from state to state, we seriously doubt officers will expect nonresidents to know Ohio law as long as they cooperate during traffic stops by declaring their weapons and keeping their hands on the steering wheel as Ohio law requires. Anyone foolish enough to touch or reach for a loaded gun during a traffic stop deserves to be arrested.

We also don't see why anyone needs to carry a weapon into a bar or restaurant, assuming the place is somewhat reputable. Mixing alcohol and guns is just foolish. Most owners would simply place a no-gun sign on the door anyway, a right any law must include in clear terms.

Perhaps most importantly, these changes are designed to satisfy a distinct minority of Ohioans with concealed weapon permits. Millions choose to not carry concealed weapons and have every right to expect their state to maintain laws that protect their rights, too.

Let's stop tinkering with a law that's working.
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20100321/OPINION01/3210322