Starbucks and Guns

I don't own a gun, or frequent Starbucks. But hey, it's their store. Private property I suppose.

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Good for starbucks

Yep it is private property and according to the laws in Virginia you can open carry on private property if the owner does not post a sign saying that you can not carry. Personally I love to open carry (even in Starbucks) and think all states should allow it.

Edited by adameldridge 2010-03-03 3:05 PM

One thing to remember is that when the word open carry is noted as related to "Concealed Weapons Permit" it does not means that someone actually carrying, has to show it.  Thus, if you fear all of a sudden you will see tons of folks with guns on their hips, well, the fact is they are probably all ready carrying, in their pocket, ankle holster, chest strap, etc.

I hace a CC permit but plan to keep it where I typically do, on an ankle holster, and concealed.  And yes, I'm a pistol packing bike rider.

I don't fear the ones who carry, I fear the one's who carry stolen guns and wave them around like they are emulating what they see on tv.

So, I'll have a carrmel micatto and some 40 cal hollow points please.

Hahaha I would like to ride with you sometime. That sounds like a fun food break (Hey guys mind if we take a 10 minute break at the firing range, I need to get in my target practice.) The issue is that, with all the gun control issues going on around the country advocates for gun rights started to open carry legally into business/public area when allowed by law. This means there were litterally people entering restaraunts with rifles/pistols visible and sitting down to eat. Gun control groups didnt like this so started petitioning business, mostly in California to make it against there rules as private businesses to have fire arms in there establishments (this includes the California pizza kitchen chain and a couple of coffee shops I think). Then the control groups targeted starbucks as a national chain with a huge number of stores and that is where we are at now.

To me it basically comes down to starbucks saying, as long as patrons are within the confines of the law, who are they to judge someone to keep them out of their shops. I did see one person trying to argue the "no shirt, no shoes, no service" angle but that does not make sense as in a lot of places it is because it is illegal for an establishment that serves food to allow those people into the store due to health/contamination risks of the food. This whole thing drives me crazy. Sometimes lobbyists just need to let others be...(ok maybe all the time!)

Unless the patrons are in the kitchen, it is not illegal nor a health risk.  In the same way that the businesses have to have a sign saying "Employees must wash hands".  As a patron, I can pee and walk out without washing up (gross as it may be) and not violate any laws, or risk any food contamination (well, except for mine and maybe my table-mates, if I touch their food). No shirt/shoes/service is a decision commonly made more on grounds of the aesthetics of the business.  I will have a much easier time wearing flip flops to the Waffle House at the beach than to the fancy 5 star restaurant in the city.  Nothing to do with hygiene/safety.

So if a business wanted to ban guns, or barefoot people, or cell phones, they are absolutely within their rights as a business to do so.  Depending on the nature of the patrons, it may or may not be a good business model, but as a private establishment, they can do what they want.

I think it's great idea to keep overcaffeinate people w/ jittery trigger fingers away from guns.

Dang. I wish I could carry into Chipotle sometimes.

I SAID NO SOUR CREAM!!!!!  BLAM BLAM BLAM BLAM!!!!!

Exactly. Today it was `No. I said a BURRITO! Not a bowl.'

Tu Hablas Beretta?!

Post of the week!

Actually it depends on the state.  For example in California Open Carry mens just that... it CANNOT be concealed.

Is Open Carry Legal in California?

Yes. However, there are many restrictions, but generally as long as your firearm is not concealed, and not loaded, and you are not in a prohibited area ("school zone", post office, government building), then it is legal. Read the California Open Carry Flyer for complete details, relevant codes, and case law.)

So in this case you do have people with guns on their hips.  In FL however (where I have my CC) you MUST have it concealed and it is illegal to walk around with a gun showing on your hip.

I'm happy that Starbucks stayed out of it and decided to support the law in place.

Here in FL it was ruled that businesses could not prevent workers from bringing guns in their car and parking on the business property.  However Disney did an end around on the law claiming they were a "military" base becuase they had fireworks on premises.  It was a BS argument but somehow it has stood.

In TN they recently passed a law allowing CCW owners to carry their firearms into establishments that serve alcohol, which was previously prohibited.  HOWEVER, individual restaurants can prohibit them by placing a sticker on the door with the proper legal mumbo jumbo.  Either way it's the restaurants right not to serve anyone for "almost" any reason since they are a private business.

I'm glad to hear Starbucks is saying "They're doing nothing illegal, why should we care?" It's their business, literally.

I don't think you can open carry in Chicago though so Tony is still out of luck.

I shall not feel safe in Chicago if people are allowed to carry weapons. It's crazy enough here without gunplay involved.

And no I will not get my own gun. I know my limitations.

well your moving to London were all hand guns are banned.

all "legal" handguns are banned...