I must say, some people are looking into this more than I think is warranted. Starbucks is no longer welcoming firearms in their stores.
Starbucks says guns are no longer welcome in its cafes, though it is stopping short of an outright ban on firearms.
The fine line that the retailer is walking to address the concerns of both gun rights and gun control advocates reflects how heated the issue has become, particularly in light of recent mass shootings.
Most states allow people to openly carry licensed guns in some way and many companies do not have policies banning firearms in their stores. But Starbucks has become a target for gun control advocates, in part because of its liberal-leaning corporate image. In turn, gun rights advocates have been galvanized by the company’s decision to defer to local laws.
In an interview, CEO Howard Schultz said the decision to ask customers to stop bringing guns into stores came as a result of the growing frequency of “Starbucks Appreciation Days” in recent months, in which gun rights advocates turn up at Starbucks cafes with firearms….Schultz hopes people will honor the request not to bring in guns but says the company will nevertheless serve those who do.
“We will not ask you to leave,” he said.
A copy of the corporate memo can be found here. Honestly I read this whole thing as Starbucks being an unwilling participant in the open carry/ concealed carry debate. I think the ONLY thing this does is pushes the politics away. Certainly I think as Second Amendment advocates and activists we should respect them by no longer having “Starbucks Appreciation Days” and other demonstrations at their locations.
If you would like to continue patronizing their stores, I see nothing changing. If you’re open carrying and step in for a coffee or a baked good, the policy states that they will not even address your firearm unless you make it an issue. Which is the way it should be. If you want strangers to recognize your right to open carry, you should probably do it someplace else, and it appears if you get all “Shall not be infringed” in a store they will politely ask you to leave, and you should comply.
They aren’t going to be posting (binding or otherwise) signage in their stores, nor are they going to make issue for pedestrian carrying of firearms.
I personally have one Starbucks gift card I’ll need to use up, and then I’ll be done. I wasn’t a Starbucks Customer before this political side came to light, I won’t be a customer after. No harm, no foul. No offense, but I’m not a fan of their products or prices, but I was willing to overpay for mediocre tea, or down right terrible coffee to support them, and offset alleged “boycotts”.
I will cease and desist, and will do so with no hard feelings. They are not an anti-gun company like other groups are that directly ban firearms on premises, and support anti-rights politics with corporate monies. They simply don’t appreciate us bringing politics into their shops, and I can fully respect that.
Now what will be interesting is how the other side treats this. Its a hollow victory for them, as it only discourages protests and political actions by pro-gun groups. It does nothing to even inconvenience the individual gun owner or person who open carries. Since anti-rights advocates are unhappy people, I don’t see this sitting well with them, and I see more demands for boycotts or more hard-line measures….all without pro-gun people helping them out.
From Moms Demand Action:
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America launched a campaign pressuring Starbucks to eliminate guns from its stores nationwide in early July. Just two months later, Starbucks is announcing that the company will no longer allow guns on its property, both inside and outside of its stores. Until now, Starbucks allowed patrons to bring loaded firearms inside stores in states where concealed and open carry is permitted. According to Starbucks’ new policy, which goes into effect today, “Everyone is welcome in our stores, but weapons are not.”
“This is a huge win for American moms who fought for this policy change, which will make Starbucks customers safer. Because Starbucks is a business icon, this policy change represents a sea change in American culture, which is finally shifting away from allowing guns in public places,”
Ok that part is all bullshit. Starbucks still allows lawful carry in stores and on properties, and because of that it isn’t eliminating ANYTHING. At best they are discouraging the most flagrant of pro-gun activism. I’m fine with people open carrying AR-15s to educate people of the rights, and to show that 30-40 people can show up armed, drink some coffee, hand out some literature, and go home with no harm done. But let’s face it, the average citizen is simply carrying a pistol, concealed or not for their day-to-day defense, and the Starbucks policy really doesn’t effect the individual at all.
Now some truth:
Starbucks’ new policy stops short of a ban, and Moms Demand Action will continue to pressure the company if there are additional instances of accidental shootings and open carry rallies inside stores.
Sorry Starbucks, I think the gunnies will be more than willing to acquiesce to your request, but the other side isn’t as willing.
Best wishes to you.
