Despite the fact that it may result in a reduction in retail sales, some businesses have implemented a "no guns allowed" policy that has right-to-carry advocates up in arms. In fact, according to
CBS Chicago, gun advocates have organized boycotts of businesses that have banned firearms.
While there has been a growing trend toward establishments, such as Target and Starbucks, that strongly request that patrons not bring firearms into their stores, other retailers have made it unequivocally clear that they do not allow firearms on the premises.
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Here are five places that have a "no guns allowed" policy:
1. Whole Foods Market: This primarily natural and organic products market has had a "no guns allowed" policy for more than 10 years. The market has a policy that, "No one, including Team Members, customers and vendors, may bring firearms, concealed weapons, explosives, or the like to any Whole Foods Market store/facility location. Only commissioned law enforcement officers or other authorized security personnel are permitted to have firearms on Company premises." Whole Foods also has a "no hero" policy, which does not allow its employees to apprehend or otherwise interfere with shoplifters.
2. Peet's Coffee and Tea: A direct competitor to Starbucks, Peet's coffee has a "no guns allowed" policy that states, "While Peet's Coffee & Tea respects and values all individuals' rights under local, state, and federal laws, our policy within our stores is not to allow customers carrying firearms unless they are uniformed or identified law enforcement officers."
3. Toys R Us: This toy conglomerate has a long standing "no guns allowed" policy. In addition, the retailer does not sell toy guns that "could be mistaken for a real gun." As reported by
WKOW, the Toys R Us policy states, "While we respect citizens’ rights to carry firearms in public areas according to certain state laws, our company policy prohibits customers from doing so in any of our stores out of an abundance of caution for the safety and protection of the children and families shopping with us."
4. AMC Theaters: This theater chain has a "no guns allowed" code of conduct that prohibits "Carrying or displaying weapons of any kind, real or toy." Violators will be removed from the AMC property without a refund.
5. Chuck E. Cheese's: This pizza restaurant that offers both food and entertainment for families prohibits firearms at all of their locations. As reported in the
Wall Street Journal, Chuck E. Cheese's policy states, "…we have chosen to exercise our right, as a property owner, to prohibit firearm possession in our locations." The company further added, "Considering that we are a children’s and family entertainment center, we believe that firearms are not appropriate in our facilities.”
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws of your state and destination before travel.
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