Starbucks pulled into gun debate
The company says business is normal Tuesday even as groups promise action over its gun policies.
Starbucks (SBUX -0.26%) has become the unlikely center of a Valentine's Day debate over U.S. gun laws.
A group that aims to reduce gun violence says it is boycotting the coffee giant Tuesday because Starbucks has not stopped customers from bringing guns into stores when the law allows it. Starbucks has the legal right to ban guns, the National Gun Victim's Action Council says. The group has sent an open letter to Starbucks with its complaints.
That boycott didn't sit well with some gun owners, and some said they would visit Starbucks Tuesday to show their support. The gun owners have even created their own "I love guns and coffee" shirts, with an image of a gun-totin' Starbucks mermaid mascot to boot.
Starbucks seems to be trying to stay out of the issue. The company, which complies with local gun-control laws, said that all of its U.S. stores are open Tuesday and business is normal.
"Our long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged and we abide by the laws that permit open carry in 43 U.S. states," the company said in a statement. "Where these laws don't exist, openly carrying weapons in our stores is prohibited."
Investors were unfazed by the gun debate. Starbucks shares were essentially flat Tuesday, closing at $49.12.
Note that the gun grabbers started this off, and Starbucks has taken the right approach. The company isn't here to promote one agenda or another; it's job is selling coffee. But because it doesn't violate the rights of gun owners, the grabbers had to moan and complain.
ReplyDeleteThe ones who started it were the open-carry demonstrators.
DeleteOpen carry demonstration? You mean that those who carry a handgun in a legal manner were merely obeying the law, don't you?
DeleteAlso note that the immaculate tile floors of Starbucks didn't run red with blood with all those scary guns coming in and out.
DeleteKeep your fingers crossed, Jake.
DeleteGreg said, "You mean that those who carry a handgun in a legal manner were merely obeying the law, don't you?"
DeleteNo, those guys were carrying to make a point, to bring attention to themselves and their cause. They've even compared themselves to Rosa Parks, fer feck's sake.
Why not honor both kinds of individuals who are working for their rights?
Delete"Investors were unfazed by the gun debate. Starbucks shares were essentially flat Tuesday, closing at $49.12."
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhh hahahaha!!!! Nice boycott, losers.
Dog- Good for Starbucks. I would be more concerned with open/carry in establishments that serve alcohol.
ReplyDeleteIn most states CCW holders can't carry inside places that server alcohol.
Delete"In most states CCW holders can't carry inside places that server alcohol."
ReplyDeleteAnd we know that ALL CCW types obey the law.
Just like people don't get shitfaced and drive their cars, especially with teh gunz--except for a few like that horse's ass TN legislator who pushed for legalization and then got busted driving drunk wit teh gunz.