This story out of the Denver Post explains the results of dramatic changes in gun control laws in Colorado. Businessmen have become apprehensive and some citizens have expressed fear because of two new laws which became effective on May 17.
One makes it easier to qualify for a permit to carry a concealed handgun. Previously, Denver issued such permits, but only under special circumstances.
The other law nullified Denver's ordinances that forbid the open carrying of weapons. So, citizens can carry a gun in the open, in their hand or tucked in at the waist, for instance, except in public and private buildings where signs prohibit it.
The net effect of the laws is that just about anybody can carry a weapon and it can be concealed or it can be sported in a holster for all to see.
Business owners say they know it's now easier to get a gun and take it more places, but they say the state has offered no guidance about how to keep guns off their property.
The laws do provide the option for businesses to post "No Guns" signs but there is no confidence that they make a difference. Some owners feel they would scare customers away.
There are many unanswered questions concerning the long term consequences of the new laws and most people are anticipating that some answers will come only after the first gun-related incident. Read the whole article.
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