City leaders in a Lake of the Ozarks community have voted to ban open carrying of firearms to boost the area's image as a family friendly tourist destination.
The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen on Tuesday voted 4-2 to approve the ban, which still allows permit-holders to carry concealed weapons. The Lake Sun Leader reports the measure was initiated by Police Chief Mark Maples in response to concerns from residents and business owners.
Current Missouri law allows anyone of legal age to openly carry a firearm without a permit. A bill passed this year by the state Legislature would forbid municipalities from prohibiting people from openly carrying weapons if they also have a conceal-and-carry permit.
Opponents of the ordinance argued that it violates their Second Amendment rights.
