Publix relents

I previously reported on the Publix supermarket chain’s policy to allow open carry of firearms in their stores.

This week Publix slammed on the brakes and made a hard U-turn. On the sign posting store rules (wear cloths, no skateboards, roast your dog in the car, etc.) is a new one:

“Publix kindly asks that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in our stores.”

Why the change?

My pal Glenn Terry credits the Gainesville Flying Pig Parade:

I like to think he’s right, though the Miami Herald reports an alternative:

“Last week, a person accidentally discharged a weapon at a Miramar Publix, and police said they had to conduct a safety sweep of the store.”

Whatever the reason(s), I’m glad to see their capitulation as a small move back towards civil society.

I still hate Publix for their effective lobbying to block single-use plastics regulation in Florida and their exploitation of farm workers. Until the company supports the environment and worker’s rights, we won’t do our weekly shopping at Publix. But maybe we’ll experience less risk of being shot if we run in to buy the occasional hard-to-find bag of raw peanuts for the backyard Blue Jays.