Whataburger: No 'open carry' in our restaurants despite new Texas law

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The president of Whataburger said in a statement that patrons will continue to be prohibited from openly carrying firearms inside the company's nearly 800 restaurants.

Preston Atkinson, the San Antonio-based company's president and CEO, said patrons who are licensed to carry concealed weapons will still be allowed to do so, but visible carrying of firearms is prohibited in the statement, which was published on the company's site July 2.

"Whataburger supports customers’ Second Amendment rights and we respect your group’s position, but we haven’t allowed the open carry of firearms in our restaurants for a long time (although we have not prohibited licensed conceal carry). It’s a business decision we made a long time ago and have stood by, and I think it’s important you know why," Atkinson said.

The Quorum Report, an Austin-based political site, reported the statement was sent to gun rights groups, as well.

The Texas Legislature passed a law earlier this year allowing the open carry of handguns for license holders, however, private property owners are afforded the right to ban the practice.

"We’ve had many customers and employees tell us they’re uncomfortable being around someone with a visible firearm who is not a member of law enforcement, and as a business, we have to listen and value that feedback in the same way we value yours. We have a responsibility to make sure everyone who walks into our restaurants feels comfortable," Atkinson said.

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Many other restaurants have been mum on the issue since the law was signed by Governor Greg Abbott last month. The bill takes effect Jan. 1, 2016.

Open carry of long guns, including rifles and shotguns, was already legal in the state and isn't affected by the new law.

A number of businesses, as well as police officers, have been targeted by gun rights activists in Texas and throughout the nation in recent years. The activists would often film themselves carrying a rifle over their shoulder and gauge and often combat the response of staff or officers.

These demonstrations resulted in a number of businesses, including Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Chipotle, Sonic, Chili's and Target, banning firearms on their property.

RELATED: NRA blasts open carry groups after incidents in San Antonio

"As a company serving customers with many different viewpoints, we’re sometimes caught in the middle on controversial issues like this one," Atkinson said.

kparker@express-news.net

Twitter: @KoltenParker