They ARE pro-gun in Missoula, MT.
The conversation that Tim and I had was informational. As expected, Tim would like for us to allow open carry in our restaurants. As noted above, this is not even a question in our Wisconsin locations.
We will do more research on this topic as it relates to Indiana, but I have nothing further to add at this time.
I would agree that your method of education would work for many, In regards to Wisconsin -
There are several major corporations that have facilities in multiple states. Culvers, Starbucks, Walmart, Meijer and multiple others with the policy of carrying of firearms in accordance of the state laws governing that particular place.
i.e. In Indiana open and concealed carry is ok(with LTCH of course), in Illinois it's a no go either way, etc... It's a suggestion for your consideration.
2nd, This has turned from a Positive Response where many had planned upon attending and dining in your establishment to No One is Planning on Dining in Your Restaurant at this time. I wish you success but as long as this is the policy, I will discourage anyone that I know from patronage there.
...As expected, Tim would like for us to allow open carry in our restaurants...
I am impressed by him and his employees willingness to discuss this, I am not impressed by his response though.
WOW! Never seen that ending coming! That is great! The boss must be pro 2A!
Based on research that I have uncovered, Wisconsin state law does not allow firearms to be carried into businesses that serve alcohol - Wisconsin statute 941.237.
The specific event would be education of the people, the limited time would be while they would be having dinner. Again totally legal with your and your managers approval.941.237(3)(g)
(g) The possession or use of a handgun on the premises if authorized for a specific event of limited duration by the owner or manager of the premises who is issued the Class "B" or "Class B" license or permit under ch. 125 for the premises.
Then ban Wisconsin police. Why disarm law-abiding citizens simply because the police might show up and make asses of themselves?
Tim - I do hang on to the fact that out of the multiple reasons that you stated that you would like to open carry, I chose the "political statement" reason. One reason why is that you have not only stated that you enjoyed our product, but that you also did not have a problem concealing your weapon when asked. Additionally, you have stated that you are going to go out of your way to let others know about our policy. By definition, that is politicking.
All this talk about corporate consistency "we have to do it this way in Indiana because we do it this way in Wisconsin" is kind of lame! A lot of national chains deal with this issue regularly and when questioned their corporate offices generally take a "we abide by the laws of the state our store/restaurant/etc is located in". Seems like a pretty simple solution to the "problem".
I don't generally consider myself political but after reading the positive response that was provided to your organization in the initial e-mails I had already decided to make the trip to Lafayette to patronize your restaurant for taking a positive stance (imho) on this issue. I am not an open carrier nor would I had I made the almost 2 hour trip to your facility but I can tell you know that if and when your Bloomington Indiana location opens that I WILL NOT make the 20 minute drive to check it out!
I realize that I am only one customer and that my lack of patronage will not have much if any effect on your bottom line but I can't support an operation that so willingly steps on our constitutionally gauranteed rights and I'm not just talking about the one specific right that this board so highly values.
All this talk about corporate consistency "we have to do it this way in Indiana because we do it this way in Wisconsin" is kind of lame! A lot of national chains deal with this issue regularly and when questioned their corporate offices generally take a "we abide by the laws of the state our store/restaurant/etc is located in". Seems like a pretty simple solution to the "problem".
I don't generally consider myself political but after reading the positive response that was provided to your organization in the initial e-mails I had already decided to make the trip to Lafayette to patronize your restaurant for taking a positive stance (imho) on this issue. I am not an open carrier nor would I had I made the almost 2 hour trip to your facility but I can tell you know that if and when your Bloomington Indiana location opens that I WILL NOT make the 20 minute drive to check it out!
I realize that I am only one customer and that my lack of patronage will not have much if any effect on your bottom line but I can't support an operation that so willingly steps on our constitutionally gauranteed rights and I'm not just talking about the one specific right that this board so highly values.
You can add me to the list, too.Ditto and I was going to make the 2 hour trip to Lafayette to show my support for this restaurant and I too will not be a patron of the Bloomington Location.
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
So, what I see here is that:
A: A company like Starbucks, that is so huge offending gun owners wouldnt even make a dent in their profits, does the right thing and makes policy based on what state the location is in. Guns allowed in that State? Then guns OK in Starbucks.
B: A small company, that has much more to lose by negative publicity, and the loss of potential revenue, makes a blanket policy for all of their locations, based on one State's policies, which have no legal bearing on another State...
Did I understand that correctly?