Walmart and Kroger started a movement when the retailers in early September asked shoppers to leave their guns at home.
Walgreens, CVS and Aldi were next, urging customers not to openly carry weapons in their stores, and Publix joined the trendthis week when the grocery chain requested that only law enforcement bring weapons into its stores.
Walmart's action follows "multiple cases'' in which people entered their stores with visible weapons, upsetting customers and employees, said Walmart executiveDan Bartlett.
In Tennessee the stores are legally allowed to ban guns, although both stores framed their policy shifts as requests, not requirements.
Tennessee has expanded access to guns on public and private property in recent years. Here's how the state's gun laws apply to privately owned areas.
Are businesses allowed to ban weapons on their property?
Yes. People and businesses are allowed to prohibit the possession of weapons on their property.
They must post signs that say "no firearms allowed."
Carrying a gun on property with that signage is amisdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $500.
Can a business ban open carry and allow concealed carry?
Yes. The Tennessee Legislaturepassed a law in 2018 that lets people andbusinessesallow concealed carry by permit holders but prohibit open carry.
The location must post signs that say"concealed firearms by permit only."
What if the gun is concealed in a car?
Tennesseans with handgun permits can store guns in their cars on private property if the following conditions are met:
- The car must be parked somewhere it is permitted to be.
- If the permit holder is not in the car, the gun mus not bevisible and must belocked in the trunk, glove box or interior of the car. It can also be in a container securely attached to the vehicle.
- The gun cannot be visible when the permit holder is in the car.
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USA TODAYcontributed to this story.
