NEW YORK (PM) — U.S. grocer Kroger Co (KR.N) has started urging customers to cease openly carrying guns in stores, a shift in policy, a spokeswoman announced on Tuesday.
Kroger previously had supported local and state laws on the matter, she stated.
“Kroger is respectfully asking that customers no longer openly carry firearms into our stores, other than authorized law enforcement officers,” Jessica Adelman, group vice president of corporate affairs, declared in an emailed statement to Reuters.
“We are also joining those encouraging our elected leaders to pass laws that will strengthen background checks and remove weapons from those who have been found to pose a risk for violence.”
Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger’s announcement mirrors Walmart Inc (WMT.N) on Tuesday announcing it would end sales of ammunition for handguns and some assault-style rifles in stores nationwide across the United States.