Tell Starbucks: Offer espresso shots, not gunshots

Sign here http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...175011-ovDui3x

Over the past few months, more and more gun owners have been gathering at restaurants and coffee shops like Starbucks with guns strapped to their hips, intimidating fellow patrons.1 In fact, groups of gun-toting individuals have specifically targeted Starbucks locations for their coffee klatches because the company allows open carrying in its shops.

Businesses can legally create policies to prohibit guns from being carried in their establishments -- and so far, Peet's Coffee & Tea and California Pizza Kitchen have heeded customer concerns and barred open carrying.

But Starbucks is refusing to prohibit the open carrying of firearms in its stores, despite protests from loyal customers. The company simply issued this statement: "For Starbucks, the safety of our customers and partners is a paramount concern. We have existing security protocols in place to handle situations related to safety in our stores. We will continue to adhere closely to local, state and federal laws and the counsel of law enforcement regarding this issue."2

It's everyone's right to be able to sit in a restaurant or coffee shop with their families without intimidation or fear of guns, either concealed or openly carried. Under the law, Starbucks has the right to adopt a gun-free policy, with an exception for uniformed police officers. Such a policy can easily be implemented in most cases by putting up signs at store entrances.

It is critical that we tell Starbucks to bar guns in its stores. These individuals who have been carrying guns into Starbucks have all the firepower of a SWAT team, and none of the law enforcement training.

Sign the petition and let Starbucks know that you want them to stand up for the safety of their customers and adopt a nationwide, gun-free policy in all Starbucks stores.

1 Open carry advocates test waters at Starbucks, ABC News, January 30, 2010.

2 Double Shot of Requesto: Brady Campaign Wants Starbucks to Stop Allowing Guns in Stores, Seattle Weekly, February 5, 2010.


sign here http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/...175011-ovDui3x