Crime & Safety

Police Chief Isn't Opposed to Guns in Bars -- As Long as People Follow the Rules

New law will allow concealed firearms in restaurants and taverns

With Ohio poised to start allowing gun owners to carry concealed firearms into bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, Strongsville's police department isn't up in arms, so to speak, about the new law.

Police Chief Charles Goss said that while a number of police groups have opposed the measure, he supports Americans' Constitutional right to bear arms -- "as long as they're law-abiding, sober and sane."

Goss said responsible gun owners can be a friend to law enforcement.

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"I think most police officers are a proponents of concealed carry -- we look at them as our allies," he said. "But there's a problem when they don't meet all the criteria."

Under the proposed law, those who are carrying concealed weapons in liquor establishments are not allowed to drink alcohol. Violating that would be a felony.

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"Instead of having a designated driver, this will be like having a designated shooter," Goss said.

Proponents of the law have argued that people have a right to defend themselves in businesses, while opponents say bringing guns into places where people are drinking alcohol is asking for trouble.

The new law also allows guns in open-air stadiums and relaxes restrictions on how motorists carry weapons in their vehicles.

Goss said police have to hope that people with concealed-carry permits will follow the rules and stay sober when they have guns with them.

"People have a great Constitutional right, but it comes with great responsibility," he said.


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