Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (Nanny B*), whose Mayors Against Illegal Guns group has had continued problems with members garnering felony convictions, now has a front group from the softer side, They call themselves Moms Demand Action. While Nanny B travels everywhere with an armed entourage, the Moms go around attempting to coerce businesses into banning defensive firearms.
These Moms some of whom are alleged to be following some of the mayors down the paths of unrighteousness, have been successful in getting several stores and restaurants to issue meaningless statements, asking folks to please disarm themselves prior to entry. Such businesses include Chipotle, Target, and now Panera Bread. Wanting to get it straight from the source, this column contacted Ron Shaich, CEO of Panera:
Dear Mr. Shaich:
I urge you to reconsider your gun ban policy. Legally armed customers have been carrying firearms in your stores for twenty years or so in Tennessee, and have not created any problems. In our area, one can readily find other restaurants nearby that don’t have your restriction. Your prohibition means that anyone who would otherwise lawfully carry into your facility, must disarm and be more vulnerable to felonious assault while crossing your lot.
There is no downside to allowing customers with legally carried handguns in your facilities, with much upside potential. See the Shiloh story HERE.
Your policy does not relieve you either, of responsibility for these patrons’ safety as they cross your parking lots in Tennessee. See: Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1359.(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter, reduce or eliminate any civil or criminal liability that a property owner or manager may have for injuries arising on their property.
I will publish your response in my nationally read Knoxville Gun Rights Examiner column.
Thank you for your time,
Liston Matthews
Shaich, unwilling to alter his position, responded:
​From: Ron M Shaich <ron.shaich@panerabread.com>
Date: Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Subject: RE: Gun Ban
To: Liston Matthews <listont@gmail.com>Mr. Matthews,
Thank you for taking the time to write to me personally. I do appreciate the passion of those on both sides of this important issue.
Please know that this decision was made in the interest of creating bakery-cafe environments in which customers and associates feel comfortable. Panera Bread respects the rights of gun owners, but we do believe asking that customers not bring their firearms inside our bakery-cafes is consistent with the bakery-cafe environment we are attempting to create. We follow in the footsteps of other fast-casual chains such as Starbucks and Chipotle, who have instituted similar policies.
Thank you again for adding your voice to this significant debate.
Ron
So Panera stands on their pseudo-ban**, which gives the Demanding Moms a propaganda win, but does nothing to insure the safety of Panera customers.
It is immoral to prohibit someone from having the means of effective personal defense, while refusing to provide any security at a business.
What do you think?
Have you ever seen security guards at Panera?
You might wish to share your thoughts with Mr. Shaich.
Meanwhile Kroger, the nations second largest retailer has, to their credit, resisted the Mom’s pressure. Be sure and thank them for this!
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*Nanny B even wants to control the size of your soft drink!
**Within our company, we strive to create Panera Warmth. This warmth means bakery-cafes where customers and associates feel comfortable and welcome. To this end, we ask that guns not be brought into this environment unless carried by an authorized law enforcement officer. Panera respects the rights of gun owners, but asks our customers to help preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates.
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A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)
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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.