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Why I Don’t Support Businesses That Ban Lawful Firearm Carry

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Why I Don’t Support Businesses That Ban Lawful Firearm Carry

Gregg Kielma Tactical K Training and Firearms

8/30/36

I’ve spent years teaching firearms, first aid, and personal security, and one thing has never changed: my safety is my responsibility. I don’t hand that responsibility over to a business that thinks a sign on the door is a substitute for real security. That’s exactly why I choose not to support any business or restaurant that prohibits legally carried firearms on their property.

A “No Firearms” sign doesn’t stop a criminal. It doesn’t prevent violence. It doesn’t magically create safety. All it does is disarm the people who follow the law people like me. When a business posts that sign, what they’re really saying is simple:
“We prefer you defenseless.”

Kielma's say, "I'll NERVER reward any company with that mindset with my money".

There are plenty of companies that have made it clear they don’t want responsible, trained, law‑abiding citizens carrying on their property. Some of the most well‑known include:

  • Costco Full ban on firearms, open or concealed.

  • Sam’s Club Prohibits all firearms inside their warehouses.

  • Sprouts Farmers Market No‑weapons policy posted at entrances.

  • Whole Foods Strict no‑firearms policy for customers.

  • Trader Joe’s Requests customers not to bring firearms.

  • Target Publicly asks customers not to carry firearms.

  • CVS Requests customers not to bring firearms.

  • Walgreens Same policy: no customer firearms.

  • Winn‑Dixie Prohibits firearms on premises.

  • BJ’s Wholesale Club Requests customers not to carry.

  • Disney World & Universal Studios Total weapons bans, no exceptions.

These companies have every right to make their own policies, and I have every right to take my business elsewhere. I don’t argue with them, I don’t try to change their minds, and I don’t make a scene. I simply refuse to walk into a place that demands I give up the ability to protect myself or the people I care about.

The irony is that most of these businesses have no meaningful security. No armed protection. No emergency plan. No trained staff. Just a sign. And that sign becomes a quiet announcement that everyone inside is unarmed except the person who intends to do harm.

I carry because I’m prepared, not paranoid. I carry because I’ve trained for it. And I carry because the world doesn’t pause for anyone’s comfort. If a business chooses to disarm me, that’s their decision but it’s also the moment I choose to spend my money somewhere else.

My principle is simple:
I will not voluntarily give up the ability to protect myself.
Not for a meal. Not for a product. Not for anyone’s policy.

Firearms or NOT? “Please Don’t Carry” Policies

These companies appear in the same category as the retailers you saw earlier, they publicly request or enforce no‑firearms rules.

  • Aldi Although primarily a grocery chain, many locations include food‑service areas; Aldi is listed among businesses that request customers not to carry firearms.

  • Whole Foods Market (Prepared Foods / Hot Bar / In‑Store Dining) Whole Foods enforces strict no‑firearms policies, which apply to their in‑store dining areas as well.

  • Trader Joe’s Requests customers not to bring firearms; applies to all store areas including food sampling and service counters.

  • Target (Café / Starbucks Inside Target) Target publicly asks customers not to carry firearms; this applies to their in‑store cafés and Starbucks kiosks.

  • Winn‑Dixie (Deli / Hot Bar) Prohibits firearms on premises, including food‑service sections.

Theme‑Park Restaurants (Full Weapons Ban)

These restaurants are located inside properties with total weapons bans. If the park bans firearms, every restaurant inside the park also bans them.

  • Disney World Restaurants All Disney dining locations (Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, etc.) fall under Disney’s total weapons ban.

  • Universal Studios Restaurants Same situation: full weapons ban across the property, including all restaurants.

Florida Law: Restaurants That Serve Alcohol

Florida Statute 790.06 prohibits carrying a firearm into any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcohol for consumption on the premises, if that portion is primarily devoted to alcohol service.
This includes bars, bar‑areas inside restaurants, and any restaurant whose main business is alcohol.

This means:

  • Bars (100% prohibited)

  • Bar‑focused restaurants

  • Restaurant bar‑areas (you may enter the restaurant, but not the bar section)

Examples in Florida include:

  • Buffalo Wild Wings (bar‑centric layout)

  • Hooters (bar‑centric)

  • Applebee’s / Chili’s / TGI Friday’s (bar sections prohibited)

  • Local taverns, grills, and pubs

These restrictions are state law, not corporate policy.

Kielma's Parting Shot:

Any businesses that ban lawful carry have made their choice.
And I’ve made mine.