Ohio lawmakers vote to allow guns in bars, arenas

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio lawmakers have passed a proposal to allow people with concealed-carry permits to take their firearms into many facilities where alcohol is served and consumed, as long as they don’t drink.

The Republican-led Ohio House voted 55-39 in favor of the change, and the GOP-led Senate concurred with a vote of 25-7 today.

First-term Republican Gov. John Kasich has supported the idea, though his spokesman said Kasich wanted to see details of the final version before deciding whether to sign it.

Supporters say the measure is about allowing people who legally have concealed weapons to carry the firearms into restaurants that happen to serve alcohol, instead of leaving them behind in a vehicle. Opponents say it will lead to a dangerous mix of booze and firearms.