Starbucks is not allowing guns in its cafes, though the coffee company stopped short of an outright ban on firearms. In an interview, Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said the decision came as a result of the growing occurrence of "Starbucks Appreciation Days" in which gun rights activists showed up at Starbucks cafes with firearms. Schultz said the events mischaracterized the company's position on the issue and the demonstrations "have made our customers uncomfortable." However, despite the request, the company will serve those who do bring guns into the cafes. The Seattle-based company plans to buy ad space in several major national newspapers on Thursday to run an open letter from Schultz explaining the decision. And the company has asked that the "Starbucks Appreciation Days" not be staged at their cafes.
