Venti caramel frappuccino, hold the firearms, please. This could be a phrase soon heard around the country as establishments like Starbucks, Target, and Chipotle ask their customers to not bring guns into the stores. These recent requests have added even more heat to the gun control debate. With recent shootings, like the one that occurred in a Las Vegas pizzeria and Walmart in June, establishments have become more aware of the uneasiness that guns cause. Thus, they have started to “ban” customers who bring their firearms into the stores. Yet, it is not a ban at all. In states like Virginia and Arizona, where citizens can open carry, the establishments cannot enforce such a ban. They can only request that those who enter the stores leave their firearms behind. In a press release, John Mulligan, Target CEO, said “Our approach has always been to follow local laws, and of course, we will continue to do so. But starting today we will also respectfully request that guests not bring firearms to Target – even in communities where it is permitted by law.” He continued by saying, “Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create.” As more national stores choose sides, the public wonders if the decisions promote gun sense or if it is a way to control gun laws, even in places where open carrying is permitted.
William [last name withheld], works as a police officer in Virginia Beach and carries a personal weapon when he is off duty. It helps him have a sense of security and safety. William said, “I would still go to Starbucks and Chipotle because I like their food, but I think their request is irrational. You can’t tell law abiding citizens to not bring weapons in knowing criminals won’t obey the request. It won’t keep us safe.” However, he noted he would conceal his weapon or not bring this weapon into the store as to not draw attention to himself.
William (on the right) and his friend display their open carry firearms
William practices at a gun range to promote gun safety
On the other side of the debate, employees and customers may feel better about the decision to ask patrons to not bring firearms into the stores. Lanna Robbins, who worked at a Taco Bell in Suffolk, says she felt uncomfortable whenever patrons brought their weapons into the store: “It makes you jumpy when a guy walks in with a glock on his hip. I stayed real close to the emergency button.” This is not an uncommon fear. As citizens are learning from the actions of stores like Chipotle, the mere presence of a gun can cause uneasy feelings.
Yet, the fiery debate has not lost any flames. Shootings at public places causes gun control advocates to become louder with their opinions that guns should not be allowed in public places and that gun laws should be stricter. Requests like the ones asked by Target, Chipotle, and Starbucks make anti-gun control advocates push against opposing views that much harder. It seems that neutral ground won’t soon be reached.
Comment with your views, I want to hear your opinion – public debate will help us learn and grow.
Dreams of Bold 