Starbucks has recently been at the center of a heated gun debate, something it never asked for. Last week, CEO Howard Schultz wrote an open letter addressed to “Dear Fellow Americans” asking that they not bring guns into Starbucks. The company policy remains the same, which is that it respects federal and state gun laws, and it will not refuse service to patrons carrying firearms. But Schultz asks that you simply leave them at home.
The fence-sitting stance has left both sides of the debate unhappy. Advocates who want to be able to carry their guns anywhere the law allows have held “Starbucks Appreciation Days,” urging gun owners to bring their pieces into the coffee chain. Some gun control advocates responded with a “Skip Starbucks Saturday” to pressure the company into banning guns entirely.
Private Companies Can Deny Gun-Carrying Patrons Service
Businesses are required to follow all federal, state, and local open carry and concealed carry laws. Beyond that, it is up to them to set a national policy regarding firearms, if they wish, or to allow stores to determine firearms policies individually. For example, McDonald’s does not ban guns in its restaurants as a policy, but policy at franchisee-owned stores regarding firearms is made by the individual franchisee.
A private business has the right to deny entry to someone with a firearm if they choose. Because they are privately-owned, and individuals do not have to patronize their stores, they are not infringing on 2nd Amendment rights. Here are five companies that have chosen a no-firearms policy for all their stores.
5 Companies with a No-Firearms Policy
1. Peet’s Coffee & Tea. The Starbucks competitor has banned guns in its stores or outdoor seating areas. It will refuse service to anyone with a gun who is not in uniform.
2. Toys“R”Us. The toy retailer bans firearms from its stores, as does its sister business, Babies“R”Us. The company was even the first to adopt the policy of not selling toy guns that could be mistaken for real guns, in 1994.
3. Movie theaters. AMC, Cinemark, and Regal are three of the biggest movie theater chains, which together account for over 1250 theaters. They all have a no-firearms policy. Cinemark owned the Aurora, Colorado theater where in July 2012 a mass shooting at a screening of The Dark Night Rises killed 12 and injured 70.
4. Whole Foods. The health food giant has had a no-guns policy for customers and employees alike in place since at least 2001. Only law enforcement officials can bring firearms into their stores.
5. Ikea. The popular Swedish furniture retailer also prohibits guns.
8 comments
Chris
The Toy's r us is incorrect. I was there just last month with my four year old and they had no signs posted anywhere.
RammRodd
I have been brewing and drinking peets at home instead of purchasing Starbucks over their obama friendly position. Peets just lost a customer. I'll drink sanka if I have to to keep my $$ from supporting companies that are "offended" by the Constitution Or give a red cent to the POS obama!!
TSgt B
I'm not a coffee drinker, so Pete's doesn't affect me personally. However, most of my friends and family members DO drink coffee, and they also own and carry firearms. I'll make sure they are informed. The other 4 I've patronized in the past, BUT NEVER AGAIN. If they make so much money that they don't need mine, good for them.
Bill Starks
When did Toys R US change policy? I have a letter from corporate that says otherwise.
Allen
If you go to any business which has a sign on the door saying “No Guns”, I give you two choices. The bad guy brings his currently illegal gun in and starts trouble. The good guy leaves his in his car and gets shot along with everyone else (Cinemark, Aurora, CO July 2012).
Or the good guy covertly brings his gun in where no one knows and is therefore not offended, and is able to engage and stop the bad guy.
Hmmmmm?
Darrell
Thank you for posting these businesses. I legally carry a concealed weapon and consider it my responsibility to protect myself and my family members in the event of a surprise act of deadly violence directed against me or a family member with me. Police, Bless them for all they do for us, cannot be at all places at all times. Protect your self is the first line of defense for any self-respecting US citizen. I will never do business with Peet's, Regal Theaters, Whole Foods or Toy's R Us again-I have been a loyal customer of all 4 firms for many years. Not now.
canemah
Glad they posted the list. I prefer my own coffee and the last four, all of which I've used in the past, just lost another customer.
John
It is better to simply respect the law of the land and the constitution.