Gun laws have always been a hot topic in the United States. With 2016 presidential hopefuls spouting up left and right, the right to bare arms is arguably more important that ever, a contender’s position potentially sway voters either right or left. According to The Huffington Post, five states and the District of Columbia currently ban open carry legislation, meant to allow individuals to visibly wear weapons on their person. In 2014, 55% of Americans opposed these types of laws. More recently, amid customer safety concerns and rising tensions associated with the topic, some major-name stores have publicly asked their customers not to bring weapons into their stores, whether the law allows it or not. According to HuffPost, here’s a list of stores that have asked its customers to leave their guns at home: 1. Whataburger 2. Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) 3. Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) 4. Sonic (NASDAQ: SONC) 5. Chili’s 6. Target (NYSE: TGT) 7. Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) It’s no doubt that statements from these stores touting anti-gun requests have stirred up some controversy, particularly with gun advocates. I can understand how this would frustrate someone living in a state that permits the open carry of guns. However, when companies release statements like this, it usually leads to some protest, enough where non-supporters boycott the company. I understand the importance of gun laws in the United States and for individuals to maintain the right to own guns – but is it really necessary to have a gun attached to your belt at Target? For more business and financial news, click here. *This is editorial content and expresses the opinion of the author.