Starbucks Passion

Starbucks’ Policy on Guns

The 2010 Starbucks Annual Shareholders meeting took place in Seattle a few weeks ago. At the meeting, several questions were asked about gun policies in Starbucks US stores. Howard Schultz handled the questions diplomatically and respectfully. He stated that Starbucks’ policy on guns would stay consistent with state laws.

Now, as a Canadian, I can’t fully appreciate the concerns raised by shareholders during the question and answer period at the meeting. In Canada, hand-held guns are illegal and thus, obviously, have no place in our society.

But, I do have an opinion on the matter raised by these American shareholders. Currently, 43 American states permit citizens to carry guns in public. Citizens who wish to carry guns are free to bring their weapons into Starbucks stores.

The concern raised in the meeting dealt with loaded guns. Several shareholders expressed that they want Starbucks to introduce a policy that would prohibit loaded guns from entering Starbucks stores. Clearly, this is a valid concern given the tragic history involving a gunfight in a Washington coffee shop a year ago. Click here to see the story.

Starbucks executives addressed these concerns but explained that Starbucks wouldn’t introduce a policy that would oppose state laws. Simply put, if it’s legal to carry a loaded gun in these states, then a loaded gun would be allowed in the store. Howard explained that he hopes that the guns aren’t loaded when they enter the store, but it’s beyond their control.

So here’s my take on it.

Ideally, stricter policies prohibiting loaded guns from entering Starbucks stores would be excellent. But in reality, it would be impossible to monitor such a policy. Baristas aren’t paid to police gun owners. It would put partners in danger if they had to enforce a policy that would prohibit loaded guns from entering stores. If citizens choose to carry loaded guns (legal in many states) then Starbucks shouldn’t enforce a policy that would stop this. Having partners monitor and police a new Starbucks policy prohibiting loaded guns, could cause confrontation between partners and loaded gun carrying citizens. Obviously, this is far from ideal.

Howard and Vivek Varma, senior VP, Public Affairs, handled the concerns admirably. They stated that Starbucks would continue to stay consistent with state laws, whether they permit loaded guns in stores or not. I believe this is the right decision for Starbucks because again, it would be difficult and dangerous for Starbucks to oppose current gun laws in particular states. Staying consistent with state laws is the only way to go, even if it isn’t ideal for those wanting Starbucks to introduce stricter policies.

Your thoughts on this?