Walmart and Kroger asked their shoppers to leave their guns at home this week. In separate statements, both stores asked their customers in open-carry states not to bring visible guns into stores.
That move follows “multiple cases” in which people entered their stores with weapons visible. Walmart executive Dan Bartlett said that action was upsetting to both customers and employees.
RELATED STORY:
Kroger’s announcement on Tuesday comes after rival retailer Walmart made a declaration and follows a surge of mass shootings that have struck at both retailers and across America. Cincinnati-based Kroger said in a statement Tuesday:
“Kroger is respectfully asking that customers no longer openly carry firearms into our stores, other than authorized law enforcement officers. We are joining those encouraging our elected leaders to pass laws that will strengthen background checks and remove weapons from those who have found to pose a risk for violence.”
In Tennessee the stores are legally allowed to ban guns, although both stores outlined their policy changes as requests, not requirements.
RELATED STORY:
Rare Florida Forest, Home to More Than 20 Protected Species, to Be Bulldozed for Walmart Development
Tennessee has increased access to guns on public and private property in recent years. According to the Tennessean, here’s how the state’s gun laws apply to privately owned areas:
Are businesses allowed to ban weapons on their property?
- Yes. People and businesses are allowed to prohibit the possession of weapons on their property.
- They must post signs that say “no firearms allowed.”
- Carrying a gun on property with that signage is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $500.
Can a business ban open carry and allow concealed carry?
- Yes. The Tennessee Legislature passed a law in 2018 that lets people and businesses allow concealed carry by permit holders but prohibit open carry.
- The location must post signs that say “concealed firearms by permit only.”
What if the gun is concealed in a car?
Tennesseans with handgun permits can store guns in their cars on private property if the following conditions are met:
- The car must be parked somewhere it is permitted to be.
- If the permit holder is not in the car, the gun must not be visible and must be locked in the trunk, glove box or interior of the car. It can also be in a container securely attached to the vehicle.
- The gun cannot be visible when the permit holder is in the car.
RELATED STORY:
According to the FBI, retailers generally allow shoppers to bring weapons despite the fact that nearly half of mass shootings (45.6 percent) occur in business settings.
