SAN ANTONIO -- H-E-B becomes the latest business to opt-out of the state's controversial "open carry" laws, saying only concealed weapons are allowed inside their stores.
Concern over guns in grocery stores has heated up as the state prepares to welcome open carry on January 1. The hashtag #GroceriesNotGuns has begun trending on Twitter, fueled by activist groups like Moms Demand Action.
While some have challenged H-E-B's decision, most of the gun owners KENS 5 spoke with didn't mind the decision.
"I don't know why, in a grocery store, I would need to open carry," said Leigh Cutter, a mother and concealed handgun owner. "As long as I have it on my person, I would be just fine."
H-E-B has largely stayed out of the argument, saying in a statement that their rules comply with the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission as a seller of alcohol.
In a written statement, H-E-B stated:
As a retailer of alcohol, long guns and unlicensed guns are prohibited on our property under the Texas Alcohol and beverage Commission rules. H-E-B maintains the same policy we have for years, only concealed licensed handguns are allowed on our property.
H-E-B is not the only grocery chain to opt out of open carry. Whole Foods and Safeway have already done the same.
These guys sell beer and wine, no real alcohol. Let's be clear.
“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken
About 25 years ago I was in an HEB in Laredo, and the girl running the cash register didn't appear to be able to speak English very well. And they were making announcements in Spanish over the the store intercom: "Maria, ven en la parte delantera de la tienda." At the time it seemed strange. Of course now in post-invasion Meximerica, that sort of thing is not so unusual, even 1200 miles from the border.
they were making announcements in Spanish over the the store intercom: "Maria, ven en la parte delantera de la tienda."
May I recommend this:
"Maria, por favor vengan al registro."
LEARN AS YOU GO PARENTING: Your first child sneezes, and you call an ambulance. Your fourth child swallows a quarter and you yell, "THAT'S COMING OUT OF YOUR ALLOWANCE!"