Floridians shopping at Publix might catch more than just deals in the aisles—following a legal shake-up on open carry laws, the supermarket chain has given the green light for customers to wear their firearms out in the open. This policy shift, reported by CBS News Miami, comes two weeks after an appeals court decision overturned the state's prohibition on openly carrying guns, putting the power to permit or prohibit guns on premises squarely in the hands of business entities and private property owners.
While some patrons view the move as a reassuring affirmation of personal security and awareness, others disclosed their apprehensions to CBS News Miami, expressing fears over the implications this may have for community safety and the anxiety it could ensue inside stores, "I believe it can cause unnecessary stress and drama," remarked Scott Gonzalez, a concerned Publix customer, whereas Erica McKeon supported the move stating, "I feel like if you're going to carry a gun, I'd rather know that it's on your person than be caught off guard and have it brought out without me even being aware."
In a statement that reportedly seeks to acknowledge the law while ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for all, Publix commented, "Treating customers with dignity and respect is a founding belief at Publix," adding, "In any instance where a customer creates a threatening, erratic, or dangerous shopping experience—whether they are openly carrying a firearm or not—we will engage local law enforcement to protect our customers and associates," as disclosed by Publix to CBS News Miami. The statement reflects Publix' position across its operation in multiple states, nearly all of which, with varying restrictions, had permitted open carry even prior to the change in Florida's laws.
Publix's stance on open carry in its Florida stores marks a divergence from competitors like Winn-Dixie, which has opted to remain a gun-free zone in response to the same legal alteration, “Our policy remains unchanged: we do not permit open carry of firearms inside our stores," a company spokesperson told Local 10 News, reinforcing their commitment to maintain their current firearms policy amidst a landscape of changing regulations and varied public sentiment.
