Word for word, this is what Starbucks wrote to me, which is more a recitation of their public statement in support of open carry laws for weapons. Here it is and I'll respond in the next entry. So to quote the e-mail verbatim.
Hello,
Thanks for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.
We recognize that there is significant and genuine passion surrounding the issue of open carry weapons laws. Advocacy groups from both sides of this issue have chosen to use Starbucks as a way to draw attention to their positions.
While we deeply respect the views of all our customers, Starbucks long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged. We comply with local laws and statutes in all the communities we serve. In this case, 43 of the 50 U.S. states have open carry weapon laws. Where these laws don't exist, we comply with laws that prohibit the open carrying of weapons. The political, policy and legal debates around these issues belong in the legislatures and courts, not in our stores.
At the same time, we have a security protocol for any threatening situation that might occur in our stores. Partners are trained to call law enforcement as situations arise. We will continuously review our procedures to ensure the highest safety guidelines are in place and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement.
We have examined this issue through the lens of partner (employee) and customer safety. Were we to adopt a policy different from local laws allowing open carry, we would be forced to require our partners to ask law abiding customers to leave our stores, putting our partners in an unfair and potentially unsafe position.
As the public debate continues, we are asking all interested parties to refrain from putting Starbucks or our partners into the middle of this divisive issue. As a company, we are extremely sensitive to the issue of gun violence in our society. Our Starbucks family knows all too well the dangers that exist when guns are used irresponsibly and illegally. Without minimizing this unfortunate reality, we believe that supporting local laws is the right way for us to ensure a safe environment for both partners and customers.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.
Warm Regards,
Malena H.
Customer Relations
Starbucks Coffee Company
800 23-LATTE (235-2883)
Monday through Friday, 5AM to 6PM (PST)
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Great to hear that Starbucks is standing tall and not discriminating against lawful gun carriers.
ReplyDeleteExcept they're not taking a stand for anything, especially for open carry gun activists They're afraid to take a stand to protect their employees and customers. They would rather cower to the whims of a few for the safety and security of the majority.
ReplyDeleteWho in their right mind wants to see a person, a non-law enforcement individual, standing in line at Starbucks with a loaded weapon? They wouldn't know that person to distinguish them as a "law abiding gun owner" from a criminal. And you expect them to trust that person? For what? How many "law abiding" gun owners have killed or injured others out of anger or rage?
And by the way, according to your own and other sources, you need a license or permit to transport a weapon in a vehicle. So, while you're standing in line at Starbucks, are you ready to be asked about that permit when you walk to your car? Because you can bet someone is likely report you to the police.
The truth is you endanger everyone else openly carrying a loaded weapon. As our parents long told us as kids, just because you can isn't a reason to do something. Grow up and become a real adult and human being, showing you care about people more than yourself.