No Open Carrying of Guns in Whataburger

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No Open Carrying of Guns in Whataburger

August 30th, 2015

Awake Goy

Despite Texas law permitting openly carrying of guns in public places, Whataburger will prohibit the practice in its restaurants.

Beginning January 2016, it will be legal to carry handguns openly in many public places in Texas. The new law also gives private property owners the right to ban the practice and Whataburger locations in Texas have indicated intent to exercise that right.

In an open letter on the company’s website, the president of Whataburger wrote that patrons will continue to be prohibited from openly carrying firearms. “It’s a business decision,” he wrote. The letter also stated that patrons who are licensed to carry concealed weapons will still be allowed to do so.

One reason for the decision not to allow open carrying of guns on its properties, according to the letter, is that many Whataburger employees and customers have said they feel uncomfortable around someone with a visible firearm who is not a member of law enforcement. “We listen to and value that feedback,” the letter read. “We’re known for a family friendly atmosphere that customers have come to expect from us. We’re the gathering spot for Little League teams, church groups, and high school kids after football games. We have a responsibility to make sure everyone who walks into our restaurants feels comfortable.”

The Whataburger chain of restaurants has about 789 restaurants in 10 states. Texas will be the 45th U.S. state to permit licensed citizens to carry handguns openly in plain view in belt or shoulder holsters.