Official Statement: Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America On Starbucks' Decision To Ban Smoking, But Not Loaded Weapons

INDIANAPOLIS, May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Starbucks has announced plans to ban smoking within 25 feet of its storefronts starting on June 1, 2013. Electronic cigarettes will also be banned at the company's 7,000 U.S. locations on that date. According to Starbucks, the ban is being put in place to protect customers' health, even in states where laws don't prevent smoking outside.

However, in states where open carry of weapons is legal, Starbucks refuses to ban loaded guns from inside its stores. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is actively pressuring Starbucks to ban guns from its stores in all states. According to Starbucks, "We comply with local laws and statutes in the communities we serve. Our long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged and we abide by the laws that permit open carry in 43 U.S. states. Where these laws don't exist, openly carrying weapons in our stores is prohibited."

In light of the epidemic of gun violence in America, as well as recent shootings at Starbucks stores, Moms Demand Action fails to see the logic in the company's determination that second-hand smoke is more dangerous to its customers than loaded guns. As mothers, we wonder why Starbucks is willing to put our children at risk by allowing customers to openly carry loaded weapons in its stores. We are asking our members and all American moms to send a letter to Starbucks today asking them to ban guns from all of their stores, regardless of state laws on open carry: 
http://action.momsdemandaction.org/page/speakout/dear-starbucks

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (www.momsdemandaction.org) was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just five months, the organization has more than 100,000 members with more than 90 local chapters in 40 states across the country.

SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

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