Guards will no longer carry guns at Nashville Panera
A Panera Bread Co. store has been suffering criticism lately, after customers complained about the presence of armed guards in the parking lot of a gun-free store. Andy Cordan for WKRN News reports:
Starting Thursday, the armed security guard at Panera Bread Co. across from Vanderbilt University will no longer be carrying a firearm.
According to the manager at the 21st Avenue location, the decision comes after multiple patrons complained to corporate that the armed security agent was violating the company’s own gun policy and making them uncomfortable.
One of those who complained was Lillian Hallstrand, a long-time customer of the Panera on 21st.
Hallstrand said she is not anti-guns. But she does question why an armed guard is working in the parking lot of a company that has pledged to be a gun-free zone.“I appreciate Second Amendment rights,” she added.
A few months ago, Panera’s CEO put out the following statement asking patrons to keep guns away:
“Panera respects the rights of gun owners, but asks our customers to help preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates.”
After multiple calls to corporate, the local manager said the guard will come to work Thursday without a firearm.
Read the full story at WKRN News.
