Ohio gun owners want concealed weapons in bars

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gun owners want Ohio’s concealed handgun law to allow weapons to be taken into bars, restaurants and other businesses serving alcohol.

The current law prohibits concealed handguns in those establishments.

Dayton area resident Barbara Holt has told an Ohio Senate panel that she needed her gun when a man with a knife threatened to “cut her up” outside a restaurant that serves beer. She fought off the attacker with a pizza box.

Others testifying at a hearing Wednesday complained that weapons can be stolen when owners have to leave them in their vehicles at bars and restaurants.

A Senate bill would allow concealed handguns in those businesses, but people carrying them would not be allowed to drink. Police groups oppose the measure.