Protesters: You don't need a gun to buy groceries
A family-owned suburban supermarket chain drew protesters at its downtown Highland Park location for not posting signs prohibiting concealed firearms in the stores.
Roughly 20 protesters tried to make their point Thursday morning on the public sidewalk at the Green Bay Road entrance to Sunset Foods, about one block from the chain's separate corporate headquarters. Northbrook resident Lee Goodman organized what was billed as a “Shop Safer” campaign for his anti-gun group Peaceful Communities.
Under Illinois' Concealed Carry Act, a private business owner may prohibit the legal carrying of firearms by posting a sign. Such signs prohibiting guns must be 4 inches by 6 inches and “clearly and conspicuously” posted at the entrance of a building or premises, according to the law.
Given Sunset's reputation for positive community involvement, it should prohibit guns at the chain's stores in Highland Park, Long Grove, Libertyville, Northbrook and Lake Forest, Goodman said.
“Sunset is letting people bring guns into their stores,” he said. “We can't figure out why that is. You don't need a gun to buy groceries.”
John Cortesi, president and CEO of Sunset Foods, was unavailable for comment. Sunset's marketing vice president, T.J. Tazioli, didn't respond to messages seeking comment.
Protesters held signs with varying messages in an effort to grab the attention of shoppers pulling into Sunset's parking lot or passers-by on Green Bay Road. Some placards stated, “Shop Where You See This Sign,” with an image of a gun in the middle of a red circle with a slash through it.
Sally Nador of Wilmette said she was compelled to join the protest because she doesn't want to shop in a place where her grandchildren might encounter someone with a gun.
“I think it's such a simple thing to ask people to lock their guns in their cars when they go into the grocery store,” Nador said.
Another protester, Betsy Hersher of Deerfield, said too many children are dying from gun violence, and there's no need for firearms in a supermarket.
“If you do have a gun permit, leave the darn thing in the car,” Hersher said. “We shouldn't be subjected to shopping and worrying about what the guy behind us has in their pocket.”
Goodman also criticized Jewel-Osco and Mariano's Fresh Market for allowing concealed weapons. His group protested outside a new Mariano's in Northbrook last fall.
Jewel-Osco spokeswoman MaryFrances Trucco said vendors and employees are banned from carrying a concealed firearm into stores while on duty. She said signs with the information are on every building.
“If they are off-duty and in the store as a customer,” she added, “they may carry a firearm if they are legally licensed under the (law).”
Mariano's spokesman James Hyland couldn't be reached Thursday.
Goodman said he believes grocery stores are taking notice of the Shop Safer campaign. He said grocery store customers should approach management and request the no-gun signs.
“We're hoping that all of the stores re-examine this issue,” he said.