Apparently Starbucks doesn't really appreciate all those Starbucks Appreciation Days that gun owners have been holding.
NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks says guns are no longer welcome in its cafes, though it is stopping short of an outright ban on firearms.
The fine line that the retailer is walking to address the concerns of both gun rights and gun control advocates reflects how heated the issue has become, particularly in light of recent mass shootings.
The story doesn't say whether the timing of the announcement has anything to do with Monday's mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yards, but I would imagine it doesn't. These sort of things take a little time to come out with.
Instead, it has to do with something more basic -- it scares the crap out of paying customers.
In an interview, CEO Howard Schultz said the decision to ask customers to stop bringing guns into stores came as a result of the growing frequency of "Starbucks Appreciation Days," in which gun rights advocates turned up at Starbucks cafes with firearms.
Schultz said the events mischaracterized the company's stance on the issue and the demonstrations "have made our customers uncomfortable."
Of course, Starbucks is still trying to have it both ways. Guns are not welcome, but they aren't going to throw out anybody who brings in a gun either.
"We will not ask you to leave," he said.