New Britain ends concealed weapons ban

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — Carrying a concealed gun is now legal in New Britain.

The New Britain Herald reports that the Common Council voted 13-0 on Wednesday to approve an ordinance allowing gun owners to conceal their weapons if they choose.

New Britain was the last municipality in Connecticut requiring residents to carry legal firearms openly.

The ordinance was revised numerous times by city attorneys since June and was championed by Republican Alderman Willie Pabon. He compared New Britain to the West in the 19th century with gun owners walking the streets with their weapons on full display.

Only those with a valid pistol permit are allowed to have guns in the city.

Police officials estimate the number of legal city gun owners to be in the "high hundreds."

___

Information from: New Britain Herald