Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office has clarified the rights of law enforcement officers (LEOs) to carry concealed weapons at public establishments, regardless of whether they are on duty. This clarification comes after concerns were raised about LEOs being prohibited from carrying concealed handguns at privately run county fairs if they were not acting in their official capacity.
The clarification was posted on December 20 on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. It states that under Ohio law, public establishments cannot prohibit or restrict a law enforcement officer, investigator, or peace officer with valid identification from carrying an authorized weapon on their premises. This applies whether or not the officer is working or in uniform.
The definition of establishments serving the public is broad and includes hotels, restaurants, retail businesses, sports venues, and other places open to the public. Establishments are also immune from civil liability for incidents related to a law enforcement officer carrying a weapon unless there is malicious intent or reckless behavior involved.
Dean Rieck, executive director of Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA), highlighted that this issue has been problematic during events like summer fairs. “This has been an ongoing problem,” Rieck said. “We’ve seen duly sworn officers or sheriffs denied their right to carry a firearm onto fairgrounds or into other public areas.”
Rieck mentioned that BFA brought this matter to the attention of Attorney General Yost for clarity, resulting in an official legal opinion detailing the law. “We hope this helps put an end to the confusion,” he added.
The Buckeye Firearms Association expressed gratitude towards Attorney General Yost and his staff for addressing this issue promptly.
