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Chipotle Gun Ban Welcomed By Some In Rye

RYE BROOK, N.Y. -- Chipotle is asking customers not to bring guns to any of its restaurants unless they are law enforcement, which Port Chester’s Monica Brown said makes her feel more comfortable.

Monica Brown said Chipotle is her son's favorite restaurant.

Monica Brown said Chipotle is her son's favorite restaurant.

Photo Credit: Brian Donnelly
Chipotle has asked customers not to bring guns to its restaurants.

Chipotle has asked customers not to bring guns to its restaurants.

Photo Credit: Brian Donnelly

A mothers group started a Twitter campaign to get the restaurant to ban guns after participants in an “open carry” demonstration in Texas brought guns into Chipotle. They included military-style assault rifles, which Chipotle said in a statement Tuesday made many of its customers anxious and uncomfortable.

“The vast majority of gun owners are responsible citizens, and we appreciate them honoring this request,” the statement says. “And we hope that our customers who oppose the carrying of guns in public agree with us that it is the role of elected officials and the legislative process to set policy in this area, not the role of businesses like Chipotle.”

Many customers coming out of the Chipotle in the Rye Brook Shopping Center on Tuesday, May 20, agreed with the restaurant’s request.

“Why do you need a gun to eat?” asked Vinny Lazzaro.

Port Chester resident and Pace University student Tony Flores said, “I feel the store has a right to say something about it.”

On the other hand, Flores’ friend and college chum Rob Dibetta said if you have a permit and you properly conceal the weapon, you should be allowed to bring your gun into the restaurant. 

Frank Cirillo and his son agreed that guns have no place in a restaurant.

“It’s a private business, and I’m in favor of gun control,” Cirillo’s son, Frank Cirillo Jr., said.

Gust Askounis, who is staying at the Westchester Hilton in Rye Brook while visiting on business from Virginia, said the store has the right to prohibit guns, the same way it has the right to prohibit dogs from its store.

“They have a right to say what people bring into their store,” Brown said. “I think they have that responsibility to their customers.”

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