Chipotle, the Denver-based company and purveyor of fresh and yummy burritos is asking that its customers not bring firearms into its stores. This happened after the company says that gun rights advocates brought military-style assault rifles into one of its restaurants in Texas, according to the Huffington Post. Some states allow people to carry licensed guns in some way, but some businesses will exercise their right to ban firearms.
The Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is a chain of restaurants in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and France, specializing in burritos and tacos. Its name derives from chipotle, the Mexican Spanish name for a smoked and dried, spicy jalapeño chili pepper.
The company reported in a statement that, “the display of firearms in our restaurants has now created an environment that is potentially intimidating or uncomfortable for many of our customers.” The company also notes that it has traditionally complied with local laws regarding open and concealed firearms in the past.
This announcement came after a petition by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, called on other companies to ban firearms in their stores as well, according to the Huffington Post. A spokesman for Chipotle said, according to a report by Market Watch that, “…we are respectfully asking that customers not bring guns into our restaurants, unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.”
A spokesman for Chipotle did not respond when asked if the company’s request was an outright ban, or how it would respond if people continued to bring firearms into the restaurants.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. noted in its statement according to the Huffington Post that, “there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue.” It said it hoped that customers who oppose carrying guns in public agree that “it is the role of elected officials and the legislative process to set policy in this area.”
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