Starbucks Stores To Allow Customers to Carry Guns

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

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.