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On September 25, Florida began allowing open carry for the first time since 1987, following an appeals court’s overturning of the state’s ban on openly carrying firearms. In other words, people can now legally tote their guns around in most public places across the state (except locations like federal buildings, schools, and polling places, where licensed and concealed carry of firearms is prohibited).
Private businesses and property owners still have the option to prohibit open carry. However, while the Lakeland-based grocery giant Publix made headlines this week for allowing customers to open carry inside its Florida stores, sparking some scattered online calls for boycotts. New Times called several Publix stores to investigate the matter, speaking with some managers who seemed confused about official guidance, while others verified that the stores would allow open carry.
But it doesn’t appear that every grocery chain is following suit. New Times contacted some of the state’s most popular grocery stores to find out which ones are — and aren’t — embracing Florida’s new open carry law. Here’s a running list of stores that say guns still aren’t welcome inside:
Note: In addition to the list below, New Times left messages with Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Fresh Market, Aldi, Fresco y Más, BJ’s Wholesale Club, and Target. As of late Thursday, they had not replied to our requests for comment.
Photo by Phillip Pessar/Flickr
Winn-Dixie
“Our priority is creating a safe and welcoming shopping experience for all customers and associates. As a private business, our policy remains unchanged: we do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores. We respectfully ask customers to secure firearms safely before entering, and we appreciate the continued cooperation that helps us maintain an environment where everyone feels comfortable.”
Milam’s Markets
“Thank you for reaching out. We do not allow weapons in our stores.”
Sprouts
“Sprouts Farmers Market maintains a strict policy prohibiting individuals from entering our stores with a firearm, and each location has posted signage at store entrances to indicate this policy.”
Doris Italian Market & Bakery
“This is not a matter we prefer to respond to.”
Are we missing a grocery store? Let us know at editorial@miaminewtimes.com
