Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz announced in a letter Wednesday that Starbucks will no longer allow weapons in their stores, because “the presence of a weapon in our stores is unsettling and upsetting for many of our customers.”  However, Starbucks will continue to allow firearms in states that have “open carry” laws.  When Schultz was asked what would happen if customers do not abide by the new rule, he said, “We’ll serve them with a smile and not confront them.”
USA Today reported:
After months of wrangling over the highly emotional issue, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on Wednesday announced that guns are no longer permitted in Starbucks stores — or in Starbucks outdoor seating areas.
Schultz made the comments in an open letter to his “Fellow Americans” that was posted on the company’s website.
In an interview with USA TODAY on Tuesday, Schultz said: “The presence of a weapon in our stores is unsettling and upsetting for many of our customers.”
But, to be clear, Starbucks will not slap an outright ban on guns, he says, because enforcing such a ban “would potentially require our partners to confront armed customers.”
They wouldn’t want to confront “armed customers” because…they’re afraid they won’t respond to conversation with conversation? Â The Starbucks CEO just insulted all law-abiding, gun owning American citizens. But, to get this straight, Starbucks will allow you to carry a firearm in states that allow it, but not allow you to carry a firearm in states that do not allow it. Â Um, OK.
