Another Restaurant Asks Customers to Leave Guns at Home

In a move making it the latest national food chain to restrict guns in its establishments, Chili’s Grill & Bar has asked customers not to openly carry firearms into its restaurants.

“We recognize that the open carry of firearms in restaurants creates an uncomfortable atmosphere and is not permitted under many local liquor laws,” Ashley Johnson, a Chili’s spokeswoman, said in a statement. “So, we kindly ask that guests refrain from openly carrying firearms into our restaurants and we will continue to follow state and local laws on this issue.”

Chili’s said that recent open carry events held at its restaurants had raised complaints from customers. Two open carry advocates were denied service at two Texas Chili’s locations after they carried long guns into the restaurants.

In a video posted by the open carry proponents and obtained by Mother Jones, a woman offers a sharp retort to the gun toters. “There’s children here,” the woman says, “and you’re a dumbass.”

Chili’s move follows Chipotle, which said earlier this month that guns are no longer welcome inside its stores. Starbucks asked customers not to bring firearms inside their shops after the Newtown shooting last year.

Fast food chain Sonic said Friday it had reviewed its policies and is also asking customers not to bring guns into its dining areas, MSNBC reports.