Study: Most Americans Support Limits on Guns in Bars, Stadiums, and Protests
National survey data show broad public support for restricting guns in locations where alcohol and conflict may increase risks of violence.
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Where should people be allowed to carry guns in public? from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Bloomberg School of Public Health offers insight into what Americans think.
Using data from the Center's 2023 National Gun Policy Survey, the study found that more than 70% of Americans support prohibiting guns in bars, sports stadiums, and protests or rallies, places where alcohol is served or conflict may arise. Majorities supported restricting firearms in these locations even among gun owners and individuals who say they would feel safer if more people could legally carry guns.
Location | Overall | Gun Owners | Non-Gun Owners |
| Restaurants | 49% | 31% | 57% |
| Bars | 75% | 70% | 77% |
| Sports stadiums | 71% | 61% | 76% |
| Retail stores | 49% | 30% | 58% |
| Protests or rallies | 71% | 59% | 77% |
| Service settings | 50% | 32% | 59% |
| Places of worship | 61% | 42% | 70% |
Authors say these findings can help inform courts and policymakers as they determine whether such places are "sensitive locations" where firearms may be prohibited. Public opinion can help guide decisions about “sensitive places” where the risks of carrying firearms may outweigh potential benefits.
“Most Americans, including gun owners, recognize that some places are not safe for guns, especially where alcohol and conflict might mix,” said Cassandra Crifasi, PhD ‘14, MPH, lead author of the study.
, was authored by Cassandra Crifasi, Kelly Roskam, and Alex McCourt.
Funding for the national survey data used in this study came from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
in the American Journal of Public Health
