(a) No person shall knowingly carry, have in his or her possession or ready at hand any dangerous ordnance, karate sticks, brass knuckles, blackjacks, Billy clubs, switchblade knives or knives having a blade over two and one-half (2½) inches in length, or any device or instrument manufactured, fashioned or designed as a deadly weapon, except as may be expressly permitted or prohibited by the Ohio Revised Code, while at or about a public place.
(b) As used in this section, "public place" means any place to which the general public has access and a right to resort for business, entertainment or other lawful purpose, but does not necessarily mean a place devoted solely to the uses of the public. It also includes the front or immediate area of any store, shop, restaurant, tavern or other place of business and any grounds, areas or parks where persons would congregate.
(c) A weapon described in subsection (a) hereof, found in the possession or ready at hand of any person in a public place in violation of this section, may be seized by the police and may be returned or disposed of by the Chief of Police in accordance with the ordinances of the City of Shaker Heights and the laws of the State of Ohio.
(d) This section does not apply to officers, agents or employees of this or any other state or the United States, or to law enforcement officers or certified private security personnel authorized to carry weapons or dangerous ordnance and acting within the scope of their duties.
(e) This section shall not apply if any weapon in subsection (a) hereof was part of a public weapon display, show or exhibition, or was in the possession of a person participating in an organized match, competition or practice session.
(f) This section does not apply to any person who knowingly carries, has in his or her possession or ready at hand a knife having a blade over two and one-half inches in length when such knife is:
(1) Being used for or transported immediately to or from a place where it is used for hunting, fishing, or camping;
(2) Carried unconcealed pursuant to any employment, trade or occupation, customarily requiring the use of such a knife; or
(3) Carried in a secure wrapper or toolbox.
(g) Any affirmative defense available under Section 749.02(d), shall constitute an affirmative defense to a charge under this section, provided that the actor is not otherwise prohibited by law from having such weapon.
(Ord. 14-44. Enacted 6-23-14.)