HOUSTON – When H-E-B informed customers it will not allow the open carry of handguns inside its stores, the grocery store chain joined a growing list of businesses opting out of the new state law.
From small restaurants to big chains, all private businesses are having to decide whether to allow customers to openly carry handguns before the law takes effect Jan. 1.
Target, Whataburger and Starbucks are already asking customers to not openly carry firearms inside. Kroger grocery stores have not taken this step, only asking customers to be respectful.
The Galleria Mall doesn't want any guns brought inside.
"There's going to be confusion, but I don't think there's going to be widespread panic," Adriana Smith said. "Everybody just needs to be prepared to get used to seeing things they're not used to seeing in places they're normally used to going."
Some of that confusion may come from businesses like H-E-B and Whataburger prohibiting open carry of handguns, but still allowing customers to carry concealed handguns.
"If conceal and carry is allowed, why not open carry?" David Wilkenfeld said. "I think it would lessen people's fears of, you know, someone has a gun and that means something bad is going to happen. No, that could potentially protect someone."
However, others are happy to hear some businesses are opting out of the new law.
"If you're carrying a gun, then somebody can come over and get it from you and kill other people," Marianela Reisner said. "I don't agree with people walking with a gun anywhere really."
Businesses are supposed to put up notices at entrances to let customers know whether they can carry a gun, concealed or otherwise. However, even if there is not a sign and the manager or owner of a private business asks a customer to take the gun outside, then that person has to comply.
Here is a link to the Houston Police Department's open-carry question and answer session: http://www.houstontx.gov/police/open_carry/index.htm.