Starbucks has sparked controversy over their support for gun rights activists at their local chains, and those fighting for gun control are not keeping quiet about their outrage.
According to The Washington Times, more than 2,000 gun rights activists are expected to visit their local Starbucks for a national "Starbucks Appreciation Day."
The coffee giant is not taking a side on the gun debate, but there is a policy stating permit-holding patrons are allowed to bring their weapons into the shop in 40 states.
"I'm not a politician. I run a coffee company and we're trying to abide by the laws in which we do business," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in an interview, Washington Times reports.
Gun control advocates are disappointed with the company for allowing the gun appreciation day. According to Washington Times, advocates from Newtown, Conn. will hold their on campaign at their local Starbucks.
"Our community is still healing and we find it reprehensible that they are picking Newtown to rally," David Ackert, spokesman for the Newtown Action Alliance, said in a statement. "It is disturbing to think that tomorrow night you and your children may be sitting in Starbucks when people carrying guns walk through the door."
Shannon Watts founded Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America after the Newtown shooting last December. She will not be celebrating the pro-gun event, and told Washington Times she is disturbed over Starbucks allowing guns into their coffee shops.
"You could be enjoying a latte and scones with your kids and someone next to you could have a gun loosely in their pocket or out on a table," Watts said.
Gun rights advocates have no plans to cancel the event.
"I don't understand why people make a big deal out of this. It's already been put to bed about two years ago," David Anderson, founder of I Love Guns and Coffee, a prime organizer of the Starbucks appreciation movement, told Washington Times on Thursday.
