Starbucks has become the unwitting battleground of a movement. Β One that by trying to sidestep, it may have stepped deeper into. Β Its stores have been the target of some Second Amendment advocates who are raising awareness about “open carry” rights. Β Bringing guns with them in order to start a dialogue about when and where people can carry. Β But Starbucks wants to shut ’em up, and shut ’em down. Β
Until now, “open carry” types have praised Starbucks for its policy of following local, state, and federal laws about guns. Β Essentially, if it’s okay to carry where you live, it’s okay to carry in a Starbucks. Β But now, Starbucks is changing its tone. Β It plans to run ads, asking owners to leave their guns outside. Β CEO Howard Schultz says, “We are respectfully requesting that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas. Β This is a request and not an outright ban.”
They say they’ll still serve anyone who chooses to carry inside a store, they just don’t want to be the battleground for the issue. Β Tying into a political topic can be a risky move for a business. Β Case in point: Chick-fil-A. Β About a year ago, after company President Dan Cathy made a “pro-traditional marriage” statement, and ipso-facto an “anti-gay marriage” statement, the company saw a swirl of support with record sales at their stores. Β But it also saw a massive amount of backlash that splits people even today.
But the difference here is, Chick-fil-A’s president walked into the controversy. Β Starbucks’ is trying to stay out. Β But for some, a request is as good as a demand. Β And so our Man on the Edge, Robert Wilder, asked if you would support Starbucks if it does ban guns.
