Guns Allowed in Bars and Restaurants, Starting Today

The law allowing people to take concealed guns into restaurants and bars goes into effect today.

With more than 100 bars and restaurants in Lakewood, the measure makes some a little uneasy — including the owners of some establishments in the city.

“Guns are not meant to be in bars,” said Ryan Krivosh, who co-owns the bar as well as the upscale restaurant (formerly ) across the street. “Guns and alcohol are not a good combination.”

The new law allows the owners of bars and restaurants to post signs keeping guns out. If there is no sign, those who carry firearms into bars are not allowed to drink in them.

Krivosh said he will most likely put up signs at both of his establishments.

“I don’t care if I offend one person out of 1,000 in order to keep my customers safe,” he said. “I would like there to be no guns in any bars in Lakewood.”

Gov. John Kasich signed Senate Bill 17 into law in June, after it passed both the state Senate and the House.  

The new law doesn’t stop at bars and restaurants, but also includes nightclubs, malls, museums and sports stadiums.

 “Guns and alcohol don’t mix,” Chief Timothy Malley . “It could provide some concern.”

, who represents Lakewood as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, took her concerns a step further.

“I think this is ridiculous and dangerous,” she said. “Is this really the wild, wild west?”

Antonio voted against the measure, as did State Senator Michael J. Skindell, D-23, representing Lakewood, who was one of the seven senators who voted against the measure.

Julie Hutchison, co-owner of the in Lakewood, called the new law “disgusting.” She said she won’t allow people to carry concealed weapons into her Detroit Avenue establishment.

 “I am going to post a sign, and I am only going to go into restaurants that have a sign,” she said. “It’s really crappy. Maybe we can repeal it. I don’t know why anyone would want this.”