Starbucks Stores To Allow Customers to Carry Guns

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Jul 31, 2013

Seems Starbucks is under fire with bullets of words from angry mothers since the coffee chain refuses to ban loaded guns from its shops in the 43 states across the U.S. that allow people to openly carry loaded guns.

Starbucks Stores to Allow Customers to Carry GunsI mean, where else can you get a triple shot, low-fat, no whip, extra hot, vanilla latte drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with powdered caramel brulee topping while carrying a loaded handgun, semi-automatic rifle and/or a shotgun?

But, Shannon Watts, Founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, is not impressed and has already started a petition asking Starbucks to ban guns from its stores. Her reasoning? Well, because nobody needs to be armed to get a cup of coffee, and besides, why is Starbucks willing to take a stand on public health, banning smoking within 25 feet of any store, yet willing to overlook the banning of guns?

Good question, Shannon, especially since Starbucks bans guns from its corporate headquarters in Seattle…where carrying a loaded gun is perfectly legal.

Starbucks has responded with a statement that reads, “The political, policy and legal debates around these issues belong in the legislatures and courts, not in our stores.”

Funny Starbucks should say that though, since some of its stores have become a venue for pro-gun rallies, complete with gun-toting coffee drinkers and a documented, accidental shooting: A woman shot another customer when she dropped her purse that housed her loaded weapon causing it to discharge.

In response to all the hoopla, I Love Guns and Coffee, a pro-gun site, has started selling t-shirts, tank tops, stickers, coffee mugs, baseball caps, beanies, key chains, tire covers and even “the official challenge coin,” all of which are adorned with a Starbucks-like logo with a smiling, double gun-wielding mermaid. There are even reseller opportunities to which Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington and even Queensland, Australia are already offering these goods.

Geez, the things I wished I’d thought of.

So, readers, I’m locked and loaded with my grande, iced, decaf Americano, ready to talk guns, lattes, mochas and mothers, so hit me with your best shot!

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/opinion/watts-beck-guns-starbucks/index.html?hpt=hp_t4

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.