Ohio bar shootings: The fallacy of "No-Guns" zones on full display

Despite these prominently posted "no-guns" signs, which are required by law to be posted in every Class D liquor permit location in the state of Ohio, it's getting increasingly hard to keep track of all the shootings occurring across the Buckeye state in places that serve alcohol.

On October 8, a shootout in a Toledo bar gained nationwide attention, despite there being no injuries, thanks to the graphic action recorded on security cameras. Another Toledo bar shooting, which occurred just a few nights later, gained almost no attention despite a bar employee having been injured by a ricochet.

On Tuesday, October 20 and again two nights later, a trio of armed men robbed patrons at two central Ohio bars. After the first robbery, the victimized bar owner posted yet another warning sign at his establishment, giving the distinct impression that he had somehow missed all the video of that Toledo shootout.

According to 10TV.com, on the trio's second heist, one armed robber fired at least one shot inside the bar.

And then there is the most recent, an October 24 shooting at a bar on Columbus' North Side that left eight injured, two of them critically.

Those "no-guns" signs sure are doing the trick, aren't they?

The fact that these shootings happen where guns are forbidden is proof that the laws don't work. Criminals don't obey these gun control laws. They are not influencing behavior, but only specifying the penalty for getting caught.

It is time to pass legislation that will even the playing field for law-abiding citizens who wish to dine out with their family or friends without having to become disarmed victims.

Representative Danny Bubp (R-88) of West Union and Rep. Jarrod Martin (R-70) of Beavercreek have introduced House Bill 203, which seeks to "allow a concealed carry licensee who is not consuming liquor and is not under the influence to carry a concealed handgun in a retail food establishment or food service operation with any class liquor permit issued for the location."

The bill has been assigned to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security committee, which is chaired by 2008 Buckeye Firearms Association endorsee Linda Bolon (D-1).