Until recently, Starbucks’ policy toward gun control was to stay out of the debates and let its stores adhere to the laws of the states they are located in. However, activities carried out by gun rights advocates and anti-gun protestors in Starbucks stores put the company in the midst of the arguments. Recently, CEO Howard Schlutz requested in a letter that customers do not bring firearms into stores.

Howard Schlutz, the CEO of Starbucks

Although Schlutz’s letter was a kind request, it brought about an intense reaction from a group of gun rights advocates. There is a chance that Starbucks will face some form of boycott but this does not necessarily mean the company will lose business. In contrary, Starbucks’ approach is more likely to generate positive results, as customers who were previously concerned about the presence of firearms in the stores will feel safer within store boundaries knowing that the company’s priority is to ensure customer safety. Starbucks is putting an end to any suppositions affiliating the company with groups promoting or opposing gun control, thus proving that the company is ready to risk losing business in order to speak up for the customers’ needs. From an ethical standpoint, Starbucks is on the right track.

Resources:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2013/09/guns-and-coffee
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/starbucks-gun-letter-companies-political-role

Photo taken form:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/4675842/Starbucks-executives-to-miss-out-on-pay-rises.html