Costco is officially anti-gun, anti-CCW

[BlackOpsSec]

up until my local Costco posted a "no firearms" sign recently (since my last visit), i figured they were not anti CCW. i saw the new sign when i went to Costco last night though. i sent them an email to ask about the sign and let them know i didn't agree with it. here is Costco's reply:

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Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:15:33 +0000 (GMT)
From: Costco MemberServices <[email protected]>
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To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Warehouse Questions or Suggestions [#37946]
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Dear Ken,

Thank you for your email to Costco Wholesale.

In reference to your inquiry on our policy disallowing the carrying of firearms in our warehouse stores.
Costco does not believe that it is necessary for firearms to be brought into its warehouse stores, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace. Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This is not a new policy and we do not customize the policy for each individual city/county/state/country where we do business.
Bringing a firearm into our warehouse does not enhance the shopping experience. We are sorry the message you are hearing is that “we don’t want you.” It is the firearms that we exclude in the warehouses, not the carriers.


Thank you,

Costco Wholesale Corporation
[email protected]

 

[armoredman]

Good thing I don't shop there!

 

[dasmi]

Good thing they have that sign. It's real big and has red letters, I'm sure everyone will obey it. Costco must be the safest place in the world.

 

[scout26]

I don't shop at Costoco as they are very anti-2A/RKBA. I can't recall where I saw it, but they donate heavily to to Anti-2A organizations (like Brady, MMM, CPHV, Joyce Foundation, etc.)

Maybe someone has a link.

Here, found it.

http://www.buyblue.org/node/721/view/summary

 

[Duramaximum]

What are they going to do about it?

Can they actually stop you? What are they going to do if you get caught; tell you to leave? Spank you and take away your birthday? Can cops do anything if you have a CWP? As long as you have your CWP Costco should have to take a long walk off a short pier.

In Montana we can't pack in:
Government Buildings (Schools)
Financial Institutions (Banks)
Anyplace you can buy and consume alcohol within the same building (Bars)
Trains (Trains)

It doesn't say anything about pansy stores that don't like guns that put a sign up. I always referenced stuff like that to open carry.

When I was applying for my CWP, I talked to the Detective who was taking my fingerprints. I asked him whether the CWP was more of a permit to carry or a permit to conceal. He said both because here in Missoula, we have a ban on open carry (Stupid hippy town.) You just can't carry in the state listed locations. Anything else isn't really a concern to them in terms of can and can't carry excpet your job where they can fire you for not complying with company policy.

 

[jlbraun]

Once again the passive-aggressive "You don't neeeeeed a gunnnnnn."

$*&^ it, might be time to sell my stock.

 

[Henry Bowman]

The Costcos here in Ohio (where anti CCW signs are all too popular) are not posted.

Still, I read the smug "Bringing a firearm into our warehouse does not enhance the shopping experience" statement to be on par with racial discrimination.

 

[cambeul41]

I would compare it, rather,

to religious discrimination.

 

[03Shadowbob]

If they found out someone was CCW in the store I would think that they could:
1) ask you to leave
2) call the po-po and make a scene
3) ask you not to come back and if you did then you get arrested for trespassing
4) revoke your membership

If it does not state in the state statutes that it is illegal to do something then it simply isn't illegal. Right?

 

[RNB65]

Can they actually stop you?

You'll have to check the laws in your state. Here in VA it is a crime to CCW on private property which is clearly posted as no guns allowed.

 

[Juna]

For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.

That's such a BS argument. The store would be safer with law abiding citizens carrying concealed firearms inside. Then if a BG decides to *gasp* disobey the sign and try to rob the place, he will be in for a big surprise and it's much less likely that innocent shoppers will get hurt.

Just because it "doesn't enhance the shopping experience" doesn't give them the right to violate our IIA rights!

Also, as an aside, why is it that off duty cops can CCW anywhere, but we can't. What makes them special? I mean, when they're on duty I can understand it, but off duty they're just civilians again. We can all receive very advanced firearms training just like the cops. So I've never understood that. Anyone care to explain?

 

[Keith Wheeler]

Folks like this just don't understand the difference between citizens and consumers.

Or, unfortunately, maybe they do.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I mean, when they're on duty I can understand it, but off duty they're just civilians again.

"In most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, officers are expected to be armed and to exercise their authority whenever necessary." Source

 

[Third_Rail]

I'll happily shop there until they have metal detectors. Good prices allow me to donate money to GOA, JPFO, etc.

 

[Zundfolge]

Bringing a firearm into our warehouse does not enhance the shopping experience.

Neither does forbiding law abiding licensed gun carriers from entering your warehouse.

If a law abiding individual carrying a gun (especially concealed) is bad for the "shopping experience" than a cop wearing a gun is just as bad.


The simple fact is that its not the guns that they don't want, its the people who believe it is acceptable to carry them legally.

 

[DRMMR02]

I mean, when they're on duty I can understand it, but off duty they're just civilians again. We can all receive very advanced firearms training just like the cops. So I've never understood that. Anyone care to explain?

Well not all departments and counties are like that. Many have a "24/7" idea about being "on duty". Knowing how to shoot is not the only part of being a police officer. They also have the training to actually apprehend and cuff suspects, as well as other training, like medical first response. In addition, they have a lot more discretion at their disposal when it comes to drawing and possibly discharging their firearms. Given those facts, plus the fact that they are sworn and get paid to do just that kind of job, it does make sense that they would have a few more privileges than others. I posted a thread in the Strategies forum about whether you would try to detain a mugger or let him go, and most people said "I would let the cops go after him, it's what they get paid for". Well, they're right. Going after bad guys is their job. And it doesn't always stop after they punch out.

 

[gunsmith]

my email

I know you won't miss one customer but since concealed carry
is a growing segment of the population, it will contribute to a net loss
I am sure.
Gun owners, especially those with concealed permits, have gone through
back ground checks and generally have more income then felons and sex offenders
you seem to be catering to.

 

[gunsmith]

it depends on State law and signage

Here in Reno NV I go just about anywhere while packing, I ignore all signs except ones backed with a metal dectector. They can only ask you to leave, if you don't it's a tresspassing ticket.

 

[Mossyrock]

My response to that sign? Ignore it. That's why it's a concealed weapon. I don't think my local Costco has a sign posted, but even if they did, I would smile, show the door attendent my Costco card and keep walking. Is that 300 pound woman who checks my card going to keep me safe? I don't think so.....unless, of course, I can use her as cover.

 

[Third_Rail]

gunsmith - I'm fairly certain VT is the same way. Anywhere not specifically prohibited by law is allowed; one of the prohibitions is anywhere with metal detectors.

 

[K-Romulus]

If Rosie O' or Babs Streisand decided to "Drop By" (for whatever reason), would Costco tell the armed bodyguards to pound sand?

 

[longeyes]

The simple fact is that corporations are part of The Problem. And not just as regards the Second Amendment. Do I have to mention their role in promoting open borders? Corporations are about top-down control and the botom-line, not the values of the Founding Fathers.

 

[Rev. DeadCorpse]

I'm all for business owners being able to put in place ANY policies they want. It's their business, let the market decide.

That being said:

1. Setting your business up as a victim disarmament zone is the epitomy of "dumb". The first set of people to be in one of their stores when some nut comes in for a shooting spree instead of a shopping spree should sue COSTCO's asses off for failing to allow them their RKBA.

2. If you are carrying concealed, what they won't know won't hurt them.

 

[Thefabulousfink]

We are sorry the message you are hearing is that “we don’t want you.” It is the firearms that we exclude in the warehouses, not the carriers.

Oh, I get it!
They are just worried about firearms running amok in their store, shooting wildly, and endangering people. Well Costco every time I enter your store I will firearm safely in it's holster. Heaven forbid I left it out in the parking lot where it could cause all kinds of damage.

Actually, I think Costco is a liar. It IS the carriers they are worried about. Well Costco, I propose a deal: You let me carry in your store and I will give you my word as a gentleman to not shoot up the place.

 

[pax]

"Why don't they just put up a sign that says, 'No Robberies or Murders Allowed'?" -- Don Stahlnecker

pax