Moms Demand Action: Thanks, Starbucks!

[Robb]

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America launched a campaign pressuring Starbucks to eliminate guns from its stores nationwide in early July. Just two months later, Starbucks is announcing that the company will no longer allow guns on its property, both inside and outside of its stores. Until now, Starbucks allowed patrons to bring loaded firearms inside stores in states where concealed and open carry is permitted. According to Starbucks’ new policy, which goes into effect today, “Everyone is welcome in our stores, but weapons are not.”

“This is a huge win for American moms who fought for this policy change, which will make Starbucks customers safer. Because Starbucks is a business icon, this policy change represents a sea change in American culture, which is finally shifting away from allowing guns in public places,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Much like smoking was once accepted on airplanes and drunk driving was abided without severe penalties, it is becoming passé for gun advocates – who may or may not have background checks, training or permits – to bring their weapons to public places. We thank and congratulate Starbucks for making this decision and for taking the safety of our children and families as seriously as mothers do.”

Starbucks’ new policy stops short of a ban, and Moms Demand Action will continue to pressure the company if there are additional instances of accidental shootings and open carry rallies inside stores. However, in his open letter to Americans, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz makes it clear that only law officers should have guns inside stores going forward: “…today we are respectfully requesting that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas – even in states where “open carry” is permitted – unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.”

“Moms Demand Action believes Starbucks is just the first of many companies that will codify a “no guns allowed” policy, and our organization will lead the charge in ensuring American businesses and institutions respect and support gun safe environments,” said Watts. “Moms and women oversee nearly 80 percent of household spending, and Moms Demand Action is going to make sure they spend those dollars at businesses and institutions that respect and support the safety of our children and families.”