Dale Welch recently walked into a Starbucks in Virginia, handgun strapped to his waist, and ordered a Frappuccino. He says the firearm drew a double-take from at least one customer but not a peep from the baristas.
Welch’s foray into the coffeehouse was part of an effort by some gun owners to exercise and advertise their rights in states that allow people to openly carry firearms.
Even in some “open carry” states, businesses are allowed to ban guns in their stores. And some have, creating political confrontations with gun owners. But Starbucks, the largest chain targeted, has refused to take the bait.
The advocacy group , a leading group encouraging the demonstrations, applauded Starbucks.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence has responded by circulating a petition demanding that Starbucks “offer espresso shots, not gunshots” and declare its coffee shops “gun-free zones.”
