Local businesses are preparing to accommodate the concealed carry law, which will go into effect next week.

The new law requires gun owners in Ohio to be 21 years of age or older, pay a license fee, pass a criminal and mental competency background check and complete 12 hours of firearms training.

A provision in House Bill 12, which Gov. Bob Taft signed into law Jan. 8, allows businesses to post signs banning guns from their stores in order to quell any store-owner anxieties about concealed weapons. Blockbuster Video, 6402 Winchester Blvd., will take advantage of the opportunity.

“We are expressing a preference that people not bring weapons into the store like we have always done to maintain store safety,” said Bryan Hook, assistant manager at Blockbuster Video.

Other businesses, such as Bright and Clean located at 2380 N. High St., do not feel any added threat of gun violence with the new law.

“We’re not going to do anything. We’ve had no problems with weapons here so far,” said Manuel Farmer, an attendant at Bright and Clean. “We might change things if something were to happen, though.”

Corporate businesses like Bank One have already dealt with concealed carry laws. Since this law has been passed in other states, Bank One is following the policy it has instated at other locations.

“We do business in other states with concealed carry laws, and we have never allowed people to carry weapons in any Bank One,” said Nancy Norris, spokeswoman for Bank One. “Employees are also not allowed to have guns with them at work.”

Businesses selling guns and gun accessories expect to see an increase in sales.

“Sales are up for guns and for holsters and will probably peak about June or July. Some people want to be the first on their blocks with the permit; others may wait a bit,” said Dan Asper, owner of the Powder Room Gun Shop and Target Range, 2470 State Route 750.

Asper said women and individuals who already own guns are the bulk of his increased revenue. He has also seen an increase in demand at his firing range for certified instructors.

“We do certification here as well and as more people want to get tested to be certified, the more need there is for instructors to teach the classes,” he said.

Ohio will be the 46th state to allow concealed weapons.

James Moore contributed to this report.