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You want a latte with that handgun?
By Lauren | March 5, 2010
It can’t be easy to run Starbucks these days. Even before the recession hit, the wildly popular coffee chain had become the poster child for extravangant self-indulgence. All too often, if personal finance gurus wanted to demonstrate how little sacrifices add up to big savings they’d point an accusing finger at the decidedly discretionary cost of a daily stop at Starbucks.
Now, the coffee chain is in the middle of a heated battle between gun control advocates and the “open carry” movement, gun owners who regularly carry unconcealed firearms in public. Forty-three states currently allow open carry, some requiring permits, some not. Under pressure from both sides, Starbucks and other chains have decided to permit their customers to carry guns onto their premises in states that allow them to do so.
There’s a superficial logic to Starbucks’ decision. After all, if state legislatures don’t object to open carry, who are merchants to disagree? And yes, if Starbucks were to ban guns on their premises, would-be Lone Rangers would probably buy their coffee somewhere else. But would that be such a bad thing?
There are still restaurants in this country that won’t serve folks in shorts and flipflops. Yes, it’s snooty and it probably drives some customers away. But their managers have recognized that barring the underdressed creates a more pleasurable experience for formally-clad patrons, and have made the decision to cater to class instead of scrambling for every last nickel.
Sometimes, it’s nice to dine in a civilized environment. It’s even nicer to stop for a cup of coffee without having to worry about being shot, deliberately or otherwise. So Starbucks, show a little backbone. Serve your triple-mocha-grande-lattes to people in ragged tee shirts and bare feet if you like. But please, make them check their weapons at the door.
Topics: Business Ethics, Social Ethics, corporate responsibility, customer relations, ethics |