Starbucks response

[Guest Tygarys]

For all you Starbucks fans, watch out! Clueless CEO incoming!

Starbucks CEO Thinks You Can't Carry A Loaded Gun Into Starbucks - The Consumerist

With Starbucks finding itself in the crosshairs of a debate between gun control and firearms rights advocates, one would think that the CEO of the company would understand whether or not customers were allowed to carry loaded guns into his stores. One would be wrong.

During a Q&A session at a Wednesday meeting with Starbucks shareholders, CEO Howard Schultz tried to mollify concerns some shareholders had about customers being allowed to enter Starbucks with guns in open carry states.

"I do want to clarify something you said that is not right," he responded. "You can't walk into Starbucks with a loaded gun. So that's not the issue. The issue is, the law allows you to walk in with a weapon that people can see that is unloaded."

Not exactly.

The fact is that, among the states permitting open carry, almost none require that the gun be unloaded. In Starbucks home state of Washington, for instance, it's well within a customer's rights to carry a loaded gun into their local Starbucks.

In its description of open carry policies in Washington, pro-gun group OpenCarry.org writes that "the practice is not common due to serial misinformation about the legality of it among law enforcement."

Surprisingly, gun control group the Brady Campaign has jumped on Schultz's gaffe to help advance its point that Starbucks should exercise its right to refuse entry to customers carrying firearms.

"Starbucks has been saying its policy just follows state law," said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign. "Not only does Starbucks have the legal right to keep guns out of its stores, but Mr. Schultz apparently does not know that most states allow the guns to be loaded. Once Mr. Schultz realizes how dangerous Starbucks' policy really is, we hope he will act immediately to change it."

[wipfel]

I can't think of a worse place to open carry than a Starbucks. Filled with soccer moms, bohemians, clove cigarette smokers, and sheeple in general. Very likely to have a freak-out on your hands.

you think Starbuck's is bad? try the Frothy Monkey in Nashville.

[Guest mikedwood]

Were we to adopt a policy different from local laws allowing open carry, we would be forced to require our partners to ask law abiding customers to leave our stores, putting our partners in an unfair and potentially unsafe position.

I like this line. Sounds like they understand legal and responcible carry is a deturrent to crime. But, if they start to get to much heat from the media and anti gun groups they may just decide to post all their stores against open carry.

That line kinda looks to me like "We would ban you but, you have a gun and we are scared of you."

I'm not going to be surprised at all if Starbucks reverses it's policy and posts some signs.

I often wonder if their coffee is better in Seatle. Like bread is great in New York. Cause in Tennesse it is some bitter bitter coffee. I do like the frozen drinks a lot.

[Guest Glock23ForMe]

At this point, all the anti's are screaming cause the CEO's didn't want to piss off any people with legal right to carry. And the quote from above makes me think that the lady that wrote it is right there with them.

[Guest .45]

I think it's a positive response, and a good example for ALL businesses to follow.

basically, they are saying that they aren't going to prohibit something that is completely LEGAL...and that they don't want to be put in the position of asking LAW ABIDING customers to leave. sounds great to me...

now let's just see if they'll stick to their guns.... (pun intended)

.45

[rentalguy1]

Starbucks coffee is bitter. I much preffer Eight O'Clock Columbian. Smooth rich MMMMM.

Ditto! Although I am enjoying my own Eight O'Clock columbian/regular blend right now...

I'm not a open carry guy, so I really have no dog in this hunt. I' will remain confused why someone who OC's get's upset when someone notices their gun. It's kind of like a woman with DD's wearing a low cut tank top that is three sizes too small getting upset for all the guys looking at her funbags. Hide the darn thing and nobody will ever know the difference until it counts.

[Guest FroggyOne2]

I like my coffee they way I like my women.

Bitter! I guess I will try them out.. never been to one..

[rentalguy1]

I just realized, I've never had a Starbucks coffee, either. I like bitter coffee, though. That's why I use Eight O'Clock brand, grind it myself, and brew it strong. I just don't like chicory (sp?) coffee. Hell, I may even OC just to test the reaction. I know that's not what it's about, but I am curious as I've never done it in public. Anybody know the open carry laws in VA? Closest one to me is in Bristol, VA.

[timcalhoun]

I never buy anything at 1,000% markup. LOL

[Guest davidz71]

I just realized, I've never had a Starbucks coffee, either. I like bitter coffee, though. That's why I use Eight O'Clock brand, grind it myself, and brew it strong. I just don't like chicory (sp?) coffee. Hell, I may even OC just to test the reaction. I know that's not what it's about, but I am curious as I've never done it in public. Anybody know the open carry laws in VA? Closest one to me is in Bristol, VA.

I guess after 33 years of marriage my wife is like Starbucks coffee.

[Oh Shoot]

...Anybody know the open carry laws in VA? Closest one to me is in Bristol, VA.

You can open carry in VA, even without a permit.

Matter of fact it's the only way you can carry into a bar, although they may have just changed that law, not sure.

- OS