If businesses put up "NO FIREARM" signs, don't do business with them, and let them know why.
I, and others I know, carry cards initiated by and available from Ohioans for Concealed Carry (
www.OhioCCW.org/dnpwa) which on one side has the typical image of a pistol inside a circle with a bar super-imposed over it (the same as the "no guns permitted in our establishment" decal you see too often stuck on the doors of private businesses), followed by an equals sign (=) and then a dollar sign ($) inside a circle with a bar super-imposed over it. Underneath this is the statement:
We have noticed your sign, and are going to respect your wishes by shopping elsewhere.
You lost our business today and in the future.
For your convenience, you will be added to our "Do Not Patronize While Armed" database.
On the other side of the card is this statement:
As an Ohio Concealed Handgun License holder, I:
-Have no felony convictions (lifetime)
-Have never been convicted of any drug offense
-Have passed a criminal history background check
How much do you know about your
other customers?
Visit
www.OhioCCW.org/dnpwa for more information.
Though it doesn't always work, it's been the experience of my friends and myself that the card handed to the owner/manager of the business, followed by a low-key, non-confrontational dialog with him or her explaining our position in the matter, often results in the sign being taken down. It's worth a try because we've found that many business owners have never thought the issue through and/or they certainly don't want to lose business over it.
