Report: Fewer Limits, More Concealed Guns in Ohio

MANSFIELD, Ohio (AP): More Ohioans are carrying concealed guns with fewer restrictions nearly 10 years after the state enacted a law allowing people to carry hidden handguns.

The Mansfield News Journal reports a reduction in Ohio restrictions involving concealed handguns since sheriff's offices in Ohio began issuing licenses for them in April 2004. They can now be carried in cars, purses and bags and are allowed in bars and public parking lots among other changes.

Gun advocates say the changes were needed to get rid of rules that were too restrictive Anti-gun advocates say reduced restrictions encroach on the freedoms of Ohioans who don't carry hidden guns.

The newspaper says the number of new Ohio concealed carry permits has doubled since 2010 with nearly 97,000 new concealed handgun licenses issued last year.