We Want Beer Not Fear!

The Ohio State Legislature is currently considering a law that will allow concealed weapons in public places that serve alcohol such as restaurants, bars, and sports arenas. Now groups like the Buckeye Firearms Association are trying to intimidate anyone who raises questions about whether or not it is a good idea by calling them liars and threatening elected officials with promises to boot them out of office.

Have we gotten to such a place in our society where mere discourse over the safety of our families is off limits if it includes limiting someone's ability to keep a gun on them at all times? Have we become so terrified of our friends and neighbors that we feel like we need to "pack heat" to go out to dinner with our family or enjoy a sporting event?

My answer is "NO!" That is not where our society is right now, and surveys of the people of Ohio show that they agree with me. There is absolutely no reason that we should be pushing legislation through that the vast majority of Ohioans are adamantly against and that places our families in danger every time they choose to go out to a restaurant, bar, or sporting event.

Sign the petition against HB45!

Thus far the debate over this bill has been divided closely down party lines. However, keeping our families safe should not be a partisan issue. Republicans AND Democrats have sons and daughters who wait tables or bar tend. Our children should not be placed in the position of policing patrons of the restaurant, wondering if each person they serve a drink might be carrying a concealed weapon. Republicans AND Democrats take their families to sports arenas to enjoy sporting events. They should not have to worry about whether they may be hit by a stray bullet when a disagreement breaks out over an referee's call.

The Ohio Restaurant Association has been a strong opponent of this bill under the assertion that "Guns and Alcohol Don't Mix." But to go one step further, it's bad for business. Restaurant and Bar owners have a responsibility to their patrons and their employees to provide an atmosphere where they feel safe. This bill eliminates business owners ability to live up to that responsibility.

Whether or not you are comfortable around firearms is not the issue. Whether or not you think the 2nd Amendment should have no limits or be strictly limited is not the issue. This is about the safety of our families, our neighbors, and business owners. We don't let someone drink and drive because we view the car as a "lethal weapon" when being operated by a person who is intoxicated. Proponents of the bill claim that concealed carriers would "self-regulate" and not drink if they are carrying. If they self-regulate as well as people who drink and drive, then I think I'll stay home.