What is Costco’s Gun Policy?
In recent weeks here on ConcealedCarry.com we have been taking a look at major companies in the United States and their gun policies in order to give curious gun owners some knowledge about where they and their firearms will or will not want to spend their hard-earned cash. Today we continue that trend by taking a look at one of the major markets in the U.S., Costco.
Unfortunately Costco has had a history of being anti-gun long before the events in Parkland which saw a slew of new businesses throw their hat into the pro gun-control ring. In fact it is one of the stronger tenants pushed by the corporation.
If you go to Costco's website and attempt to gain a membership to the store you will see written plain as day that…
“Costco policy prohibits firearms to be brought into the warehouse, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers.”
That in and of itself is likely enough to make most pro-gun folks automatically pass on the store no matter how many pounds of shrimp you can buy in one run. However, Costco has gone on to explain more in-depthly why they don't believe in having firearms on their property.
Costco does not believe that it is necessary for firearms to be brought into its warehouse stores, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace. Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This is not a new policy and we do not customize the policy for each individual city/county/state/country where we do business.
Our primary goal at Costco Wholesale is to keep our members happy. If you believe that our policy restricting members from bringing firearms into our warehouse stores is either unfair or excessively burdensome, or you cannot agree to abide by this policy, or you are dissatisfied for any other reason, Costco will promptly refund your annual membership fee in full.
So if this is the first you are hearing of Costco's stance and you yourself have a membership with them at least you know that if you cancel and state their gun policy as the reason you will receive a full refund of your annual membership cost.
On a personal note, the language used in this notice is quite odd considering in the very same paragraph they allow firearms for law enforcement within their walls but they also paint firearms as being unsafe. It's odd that a company, in sending an anti-gun message seems to prove the point that good guys with guns are necessary and helpful in the world but we already knew that.
What do you think of Costco's Gun Policy? Do you know of any other anti-gun businesses you'd like us to discuss? Let us know in the comments below.
I am one who believes in the right to own firearms. However, I also respect the right of somebody who disagrees with me. If I do not like an opponents position, I have the right NOT to deal with that person. That is my right. Furthermore, I expect that person to respect my belief.
I have many friends who disagree with me. However, they do NOT try to step on my rights. If they did, they would not be my friend. I do tell these friends that if they ever need help, in such a situation, NOT to call me.
This policy works great for people that respect the law and are willing to abide by the store policy. However, being that your common everyday criminal doesn’t abide by our laws. Mall shootings, school shootings etc…by the time the police are on scene, either two things will happen, a undetermined number of innocent people are wounded or killed or a good guy with a concealed weapon introduces the bad guy to a really bad day.
I was ask to leave a Costco in Tulsa Ok yesterday by two employees, one in the store and one on my way out. They said they didn’t allow “Open Carry” for their employees safety. I was advised that we could put it in the wife purse and continue shopping. I respect stores right to not allow weapons however for my safety I just shop in one’s who do. We are requesting our membership dues be returned.
I learned a lot from your well researched site. Wow, this really confirms how out of control guns are in the US. No to HR 38. We don’t need guns brought into states that have reasonable regulations. After looking at most of the US and the excess of guns everywhere now I know why my family does not feel safe in most of America. I understand the second amendment but no-one needs assault weapons or high capacity magazines. This is a national epidemic and children are dying every day. I am former US Park Police and have seen the gun carnage.
Anna, what do you even MEAN by “no-one needs assault weapons or high capacity magazines”?
There are a trivial number of “assault weapons” in USmerica. They’ve been outlawed except for those willing to pay thousands of dollars for storage upgrades and taxes and “stamps” since 1932.
“High capacity” magazines is a useless term. For some, it means anything more than 10 rounds, or fifteen, or pick-a-number. Keep i9n mind that MOST full sized pistols comes with at least 15 round magazines, which means they’re NOT “high capacity” at that point, they’re STANDARD capacity.
If you’ve seen the carnage, you know that there are TWO kinds of attacks: a loner, like (well I’m not going to give them the publicity they sought), and criminal thugs. The latter are like their rodent peers: rats travel in packs. I know it would be horrific to face five armed thugs with only a seven-round magazine ‘cuz, even the best shot doesn’t shoot well when serious adrenaline is flowing. (You also know, I presume, that a handgun is severely limited in its actual fire power. It often takes three to ten rounds to end a threat with a 9mm or even a .45 pistol.)
Finally, what does NEED have to do with exercising a RIGHT? Do you NEED a Ferrari? Do you NEED more than one book? Do you NEED fifteen or fifty pairs of shoes? It’s your right to own any of these and a host of others. It’s also your right to own a pistol or a rifle for self defense or hunting or target shooting or just to mount on the wall to admire.
Many people have dozens of firearms. I know of NONE of them (the firearms, I mean) that have killed any one. (I don’t know any people (outside of my military career) who’ve killed anyone, either, but the folks I know are not on anti-depressants and other psychotropic meds. Few of them are Democrats and other Communists, either, and it’s from the overlap of these two groups than 90% or so of the mass shooters come.
It’s NOT a FIREARMS PROBLEM: it’s a PEOPLE PROBLEM! Taking firearms away from GOOD people will do NOTHING to stop bad people from killing others.
Absolutely correct. But the actual purpose of the 2nd Amendment
DEMANDS that citizens have REAL assault weapons and NOT
the semi-autos liberals and other idiots call assault weapons. The
real purpose of the 2nd Amendment is to be able to oppose by
force an oppressive or tyrannical government of ANY kind including
domestic. To believe or state otherwise is to LIE.
“Anna, what do you even MEAN by “no-one needs assault weapons or high capacity magazines”?
She’s one of “them” and, IMO, her opinion is worthless to law abiding civilian carriers.
Good assessment of the facts and myths on gun use.
Criminals will enter establishments with a ” no fite arm allowed” policy . Honest, law abiding permitted CCW holders won’t carry inside these establishments. So if a person is shot in a no firearm business the business seems to have not actively prohibited the shooting. Open liability for the business.
HR 38 should be passed.. People that have a concealed Carry permit go through more background checks than anyone with a drivers license yet they are allowed to drive into any state they wish to with ONE drivers license . Why should I be restricted or rather should I say be required to have a permit for every state I enter ?
Very true.
Only.idots complain
I now consider going to Costco as putting my life an my wife in danger. I Believe that most mass shootings happen at places with guns Uno longer allow. I am a
Ex Veteran with firearm training and have a current conceal carry. I Don’t believe in open carry as it scares people, I understand that!! When you Never allow conceal carry Only Criminals have the guns as they don’t care about your rules and will look for stores with no conceal carry Because your rules do not affect them.
. The Sam’s store Does not even mention guns so nobody talks about it. Probably the only people who pay attention to your sign is Somebody who would want to shoot up the place. I never allow my wife to shop at Costco alone as it is now Dangerous. Thanks for hearing my opinion.
Why would anyone prevent another person with a clear police record whose been properly trained access to their store. Bad guys don’t follow the law, when they see a no Guns allowed sticker in the window they know that their chances of shooting a lot of people is very good because in the time it takes for law enforcement to arrives it’s too late. It takes a good guy with a gun to stop a bad guy with a gun. Former Police officer. Bob
You may have seen some gun carnage in your work as a Park ranger, but you certainly did NOT learn anything from it. The fact that our founding fathers saw the necessity of including the 2nd amendment in the bill of rights goes to show how uninformed you truly are.
I am a Vietnam veteran and put my life on the line for over six years during that war to protect the constitution of the United States of America and that INCLUDES the 2nd amendment just like it includes the 1st amendment.
People like YOU CAN NOT pick and choose which of our constitutional laws and its amendments you will obey and honor. Either enjoy, support, and defend ALL the bill of rights or GET OUT of our country!
Do NOT come begging people like me who believe in the importance of the 2nd amendment to save your ass against the LIBERAL TRAITOROUS DEMOCRATS and the Anti-American factions now in our country when they start attacking you and your family.
Signed a Vietnam veteran.
Are knives allowed into costco because I can’t find it anywhere and wanted to know?
I’m so late to this, but I always bring my knife in and leave my piece in the car. No complaints.
Guns are not the problem they do not kill, they are unable to shoot are displaying any movement Only when people plc up the gun, means it’s a people problem and they should be held accountable for harming someone with a firearm. Families with dis functional lifestyles and lack of communication or the ones who obtain guns, they should be held accountable, not the gun .. The courts perpetuate violence because there is no accountability for the person who uses a weapon. If a person kills a group of people with a vehicle we hold the person responsible We do not demand banning all cars, yet drunk drivers have killed more people than any weapon. People are the killers and the lack of holding those responsible accountable for there behaviour and causing death and grief to others. I have been told by inmates the laws apply to law abiding citizens, if they wanted a firearms they can obtain one on the streets within a short time . Banning guns are not the answer but what is laws that are strong against a person using a weapons committing a crime. The laws against violence are watered down no substance or deterrence committing a crime. If you want good policemen you train them properly in every aspect of there job requirements, better communication with the community (become a part of the community), do not defund just get rid of the policemen and hold them accountable for there behaviour toward others. Better training creates better policemen.
WELL SAID BROTHER!
There is a .0005% chance you will be involved in gun violence if you are not committing suicide or a member of a gang or buying drugs. How about the 10 people just killed with a knife are you going to ban all metal objects. Go ahead and tell me how knives get into prison. You cannot stop violence with laws. Why is everyone who shoots someone else a democrat. I think Libs should be banned from voting and owning guns.
A disarmed Nation is helpless and easily conquered.
Anna,
I’m sorry your family doesn’t feel safe in the US. i suggest you move to Nuevo Laredo. You should be safe there because Mexico has very strict gun laws. If you do….can you please add me as your beneficiary on your life insurance policy.
Not everywhere is safe in the US. The WORSE places to be is in a gun free zone run by democrats. Democrats say that they’re anti-gun but in fact most mass shootings and murders are caused by a democrat. Time to get rid a gun free zones.
No one needs a an “assault weapon” or high capacity magazine?… what happens when rioters are all across America, burning private property, assaulting bystanders to serious injury, killing random citizens, large mobs walking into neighborhoods and threatening to kill those who live in that neighborhood, cities trying to get rid of police departments… these are many reasons why the 2nd amendment is so important. The RIGHT for a person to simply protect what they need to protect. And when you’re outnumbered 50 to 1… the best way to protect yourself is with a rifle and lots of bullets. Any argument for restricting firearms and amount of ammunition is complete trash… as shown by recent events.
AR’s are not assult weapons AR’s stand for Automatic Rifle. assult weapon could be anything including a butter knife if you attack someone with it. it becomes an assult weapon.
AR does not stand for Automatic Rifle it stands for Armalite Rifle after the company who invented the firearm.
AR is the manufacturer – Armalite Rifle. These are civilian version and are 1 trigger pull, 1 shot. There are many semi-auto rifles – but this is the scary black gun from Vietnam…………..A rfile and pistol, a hammer, a sharp blade are tools. Any tool can kill. Its the person not the tool. Do cars kill or is it the driver? Do we wrap everyone in bubble wrap and ban guns, knives, hammers, cars….? Ban fork because people get fat from eating too much. Ban everything, cancel everything, the snowflakes are melting. It only gets worse as the everyone gets a trophy generation grows up…..people that never faced adversity and how to cope. People given passing grades to move them along. People allowed to go to college and get useless degrees and expect to be handed a job for $100,000 starting salary. This world is doomed.
AR does not stand for Automatic Rife. It stands for Armalite Rifle. The original manufacturer
I see nothing wrong with concealed carry but open carry implies insecurity and the lack of self esteem.
Anna, your view is quite idealistic. Sadly, we have laws against murder – and it’s ignored. This law does not stop the nuts who kill people. We had prohibition in this country, how did that work out? Repealed. We have laws against cocaine and other drugs – yet they are easy to obtain. Only law abiding people obey laws. Outlawing a wanted commodity only creates a black market to exist.
well this is ur brain level. i can be agree with you if no one have guns, most of killing happen by law inforcement and about 80% plus found innocent, other side criminals, gangsters, drugdealers, street gansters allways have acces to any gun and no law ever can stop them so why we normal peoples cant have guns to protect our self. crime by leagal gun by legal gun owners is almost 0% so dont be stupid and promote crime. going against gun for public is straight way to promote crime and black markit and also inviting rapeist , burglar to ur home without any fear bcz they know u cant protect urself…
Capitalism is great in this respect. If enough carriers avoid Costco because of the company’s policies, the company may see a decline in its business, especially in conservative gun friendly areas. However, I’ve never been asked to walk through a metal detector at Costco nor have I been searched. Have I carried into Costco stores? You bet. In accordance with my state’s laws, the worst consequence I’ll suffer at Costco and other privately owned companies is being asked to leave. Concealed means concealed.
But that’s what you don’t understand. You won’t be asked just to leave. You’ll have your membership revoked. And if you end up using the gun in the store, the store could have legal recourse against you for you choosing to break their contract by carrying when they told you you cannot. You agreed to that contract when you signed up for membership.
Maybe just maybe that person that was carrying it concealed chose to save you, are you still gonna have the same answer? You’re all for anti gun unless it’s you that needs saving and since cops aren’t everywhere and there just happens to be a law abiding citizen that exercises their right to carry and saves you he’s bad? You contradict yourself, get educated, guns are a tool and not the problem. People that choose to use them for bad are the problem, people problem, otherwise a firearm is an inanimate object
Fentanyl is killing more of our people than guns. Why come to our country if you feel so unsafe. Cars, planes, trains etc kill. But we still use them.
Costco has no legally required signage at entrances to set their guideline on weapons in the store. U can carry, concealed I suggest.
They can however legally request u leave if it is determined u are carrying.
Whole Foods has recently added a new policy making CCW and Open Carry illegal at their stores. I asked management at the store near me in OH when the signs went up and they confirmed it had just happened hours before my visit (and days after The Parkland shooting). They confirmed the change was brought on by a complaint from a customer who was “uncomfortable” seeing someone w a gun in the store. Now they consider their stores “gun free safe zones”. I spoke to representatives from their corporate office who claimed this was not a political statement and they are not opposed to 2A. I respectfully disagree. This is clearly a political statement. I will no longer shop at this business. Any business that denies me the right to protect myself and my family does not deserve my business.
The children are NOT dying by the hands of good guys with a gun. Prove me wrong
I don’t get it, why would Costco want to keep law abiding customers from defending their selves, all the while criminals won’t even care what store policy is? I will abide by their policy, however, if something happens to my family or myself that I could possibly have prevented,(you know,by having my side arm with me)I will hold Costco accountable. If a business won’t let me defend myself, then they ARE responsible for my defense.
When a few lawsuits are tried, some may change their tune.
Your statement is EXACTLY what I told the Manager of our local COSCO here in Henderson Nevada yesterday, 7/17/2018.
I agree 100% with your comments and hope that INTELLIGENT shoppers inform Costco and all stores that restrict LAW ABIDING CITIZENS the right to carry their firearms with them while shopping in their facilities.
When these LIBERAL policies start hurting the bottom line of these companies then maybe they will see the light and STOP pandering to the LIBERAL LEFT DEMOCRATS and their ANTI-CONSTITUION RHETORIC.
Signed a Vietnam veteran.
But why would Costco change their policy when people like you are going to give them your money even though you disagree with their policy on guns. they’re not going to change until you start boycotting the store and ending your membership and telling them why.
You are 100% correct.
Until they start posting legally binding signs, I’m going to continue to carry.
It’s in the contract you signed with them. By signing you legally agreed that you would not carry in the store. Also by signing and paying for your membership, you were telling them that it’s okay to have that kind of policy. Why as a gun owner would you do that?
Lol! I have been a Costco member for DECADES… Show me where that language was in my original “contract.” I believe this was added fairly recently (decades wise), and I have not received ANYTHING from Costco telling me of this change. And they sure as hell don’t advertise it when they beg me to renew my membership every year and try to hard sell me to upgrade to their business class membership because of the amount of money I spend there every year… When they send me an amendment to sign to my original, decades old contract stating that I will abide by this “new” policy, then I’ll cancel my membership!
In addition, and according to Colorado gun laws, I have yet to see a “No Guns Allowed” sign at my local Costco. Until then, and since I never signed any contract stating that I cannot carry concealed in the store… We’ll see who would prevail in court if it, God forbid, were to ever come to that.
No contract can waive an enumerated right. Neither an illegal nor legal action juxtaposes just because someone made a contract.
I find it interesting that Costco won’t allow guns in their stores but they sell gun safes. Also, I have not seen any signs at my local Costco indicating that weapons are not allowed.
Do you not read a contract before you sign it? It’s in the membership contract you signed with them when you pay it. therefore you will be legally liable if you use your gun in their store.
Concealed – kept secret; hidden. Enough said.
Since when did FREE MEN AND WOMEN need to ask anyone if they can exercise their rights? I walk right past any signs I see, they can post whatever they want, and I shall ignore it just as quickly.
I find it really ironic for Costco to say they “want to keep Firearms out of their Warehouses for the safety of their members and the workers”…But in the same policy statement, make it clear that Law Enforcement can Carry…
to my knowledge, Firearms have never been a problem when carried by their Members…The problem manifested itself when the Cops Showed up with their Firearms and Murdered one of Costco’s Members, ie. Erik Scott!
Such companies want there cake and to eat it too– prohibit carry but not post that prohibition making it legally binding. Note they are attempting to con customers both sides of the aisle so long as they make a buck. They have absolutely no interest in the safety of anyone. If they did, like anyone else they would look up the effectively settled science (see John Lott’s book) and apply it. But again, that really isn’t they point in this exercise,is it?
It is legally binding because it’s in the contract you signed with them when you pay for your membership. Does anyone not read contracts anymore before they sign them?
I never signed the contract with them.
You absolutely did when you agreed to abide by their terms and conditions. That’s a contract, whether or not you believe it is.
Today, 05 Feb 19, I was asked to leave Costco because I was exercising 2nd Amendment. Michael was a manager on duty. Once before, I had a gentleman thank me for protecting fellow shoppers, and once a fellow member asked about License to carry. I asked Michael who was going to protect me and looked to see if he was carrying. He was not carrying. It is disturbing to see our Freedoms under attack.
I was kicked out of Costco today for carrying while trying to get to the pharmacy so I could get my special needs son’s meds. I’m finished with them. My winter jacket was unzipped and an employee saw part of my holster. Not even my gun.
I was challenged today by the greeter John at the Midlothian, Virginia Costco on Koger Center Blvd at Mall Drive. He asked me to leave my concealed weapon in my car. I told him I would leave and never again shop at a Costco owned store. I believe Virginia law requires, or at least used to require, a business to post notices at all entrances of a no weapons policy. This Costco has no such signage.
It’s in the contract you signed with them when you paid your membership. I can’t believe how many people in this thread don’t read contracts they sign.
I was gently reminded today to not open carry at Costco in Cedar Park, Texas. The outside of the store actually has the warning for unlawful carry of a firearm and states that carry by licensed individuals is allowed. I respectfully told them I was a licensed to carry and the employee said it’s in the member contract. I told them I was unaware and apologized. I followed up with the store manager and he told me the same thing. I took the time to educate the store manager and said it would be prudent to post the proper Texas 30.06 & 30.07 signage as their current signage is misleading. I will no longer shop at Costco. Does Sam’s club have a similar policy/stance?
No Sams Club doesn’t have any policy against guns at this time.
if they don’t have a 30.06 sign I conceal (well) and never had a problem.
In texas they must have very specific signage. If they ask me, obviously I will comply.
Moe, here is Costco’s policy. When you sign up for a membership, you are agreeing to abide by this policy. It varies from state to state, but in many states, the elements of the crime would be 1) the person knowingly violates conspicuously posted signage or 2) refuses to leave once notified. I would argue that by signing the agreement you have been notified in advance and signage would not be necessary. Or that you have been notified and refused to comply, by bringing a firearm into the store. Whose to say if Costco would pursue charges if in fact, the state has such a statute. But you likely would have your membership revoked. I am not saying you shouldn’t carry inside Costco, everyone should make their own determination, based on their state laws and risk factors. What I am saying is that people must understand the conditions of the membership they sign.
-Shirts and shoes must be worn inside the warehouse at all times.
-Members are welcome to bring their children and up to two guests into the warehouse; however members are responsible for their children and guests. Children should not be left unattended. Only Costco members may purchase items.
-It is Costco’s intent to provide a shopping environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination for employees, applicants, independent contractors, members and suppliers. We prohibit all forms of harassment and discrimination.
-Costco reserves the right to inspect any container, backpack, briefcase, etc., upon entering or leaving the warehouse.
-To ensure that all members are correctly charged for the merchandise purchased, all receipts and merchandise will be inspected as you leave the warehouse.
-Liquor and tobacco sales cannot be made to minors.
-Costco policy prohibits firearms to be brought into the warehouse, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers.
-Animals are not permitted in Costco warehouses unless admission is required by applicable law.
Do you not read contracts before you sign them? It’s clear in their contract when you sign up for membership that you cannot carry in their store.
I def must say i didn’t see anything in the sign up for member ships that’s says I can’t carry. I was just force to take my gun back out. Although I have a l t c Def will be getting rid of this acct. and getting my money back there is nothing legally posted saying I can’t carry Just says I can’t be on the property with out a l t c
Then you obviously didn’t read the contract you signed with them because it’s in there.
Amy shut up. Ur an antagonist and stoking trouble
Store poly is store policy it says NO guns it means NO guns on property.I think everyone need to look and say what made this off duty cop pull his revolver and start shooting and put customers lives in danger. I’ve not read where the others had any weapons and his life was in danger at no point. I feel someone need to pay for this because a man life was taken and NO man or women has the rite to take someone life.
I do NOT feel safe in these “gun-free” zones! I will not enter businesses who display these signs.
I will probably be cancelling my Costco Membership.
Frankly, the anti-gunners have brain damage IMO.
Gun owners also have brain damage because they continue to support businesses like Costco even though they have made it clear that they do not respect rights for someone to protect themselves and their families. Why would gun owners continue to give their money to companies like this? Companies have no motive to change their policies as long as gun owners Pat them on the back and say it’s okay.
I did not realize they had a no firearms policy. I just signed up last night and was going to finalize my membership this evening. I carry EVERYWHERE I can legally carry. I’m not so sure I want a membership at this point. I’m not comfortable leaving my firearm in my car and I don’t want to travel without it.
Did you not read the contract you signed with them when you paid for your membership? It’s right in there. At least you’re willing to revoke your membership over their policy. If every gun owner and person that believes and owning guns for self-protection would do such a thing Costco would change their policy because it would hurt their business.
And again, at least in my state, even providing written notice e.g. as in a contract, they MUST provide the legally required verbiage as required by my state’s statutes in its entirety. Which is not what is in their contract or on their website. The language MUST be identical to the legal statute.
I quick-checked the actual statutes again just now, and still their wording in the contract and on their website is not legal notice according to my state’s laws (“other document on which is written language *identical*
to the following:” is what is included in said statute, emphasis on identical).
They can certainly terminate my membership for violation of their rules though, at which time I would happily take my business elsewhere.
Yes I canceled yesterday I mean they have posting out side their store for no dogs (except support dogs) but I seen more dogs there then the dog park. I’m with you ..it’s like this
So from what I reading, I am being told that only law enforcement lives matter. There is to many shootings these days to go unarmed I’m sorry but I will conceal carry or open carry everywhere I can. For all you anti gun people, don’t hide behind me when I am taking down the shooter at the next public event. Also make sure when your life is on the line, dont call a cop with a gun, may call a Wal Mart Greeter. Your stores saying NO GUN ALLOWED is pretty much telling a person it’s open season here. Taking my gun doesn’t keep you or me safe, it makes us victims.
Unfortunately many people can’t (or won’t) understand the concept that good people obey requests from well meaning entities and bad people don’t. By restricting self protection in it’s stores, COSTCO leaves the door wide open for bad people to do bad things there and possible law suits for not protecting customers or not allowing customers to protect themselves. If they want to solve the problem they could do it responsibly by offering a gun safety program (paid for by participants) and administered by the world’s best gun experts: the NRA. The program would emphasize shoot/no shoot scenarios in public places. After completing the course, participants would be endorsed to carry CONCEALED inside Costco’s stores. There are many things to consider when carrying a firearm. Once you fire a round, you own it and it can’t be called back. There are instances where you would not fire a weapon even if there was imminent danger because you could cause more damage than you would prevent. A responsible course by the NRA would teach these things and lead to a safe environment for all at Costco. One of my most favorite stores.
Does anyone seriously not read a contract before they sign it? Costco is clear in the contract you signed with them before you pay your membership that you cannot carry in their store. If you say you didn’t know this then you didn’t bother reading it before you signed it. And if you say you don’t care and you’re going to carry anyway, what you’re telling Costco is that you agree with their policy because you just gave them your money. It’s no wonder companies such as Costco have these policies because gun owners will give them a thumbs-up anyway by giving them their money and shopping in their stores.
So costco is in violation of there own rules. It says law enforcement but they have armored carriers coming in and they are not law enforcement.
Amy, you are riding that horse to death, of course no one reads contracts any more, everything has a contract attached to it. You would spend all your time reading all the legal garbage that is attached to everything you sign these days. And I am sure that Costco realizes that. Never been frisked going into Costco. What they don’t know won’t hurt them, but It might just save my life or someone else.Costco wants to have it both ways, that is most likely why they don’t post signs like they should and are required to to do here in the State of Arizona, ARS Section 4-229.
Sam’s is not anti gun and the lines at their gas stations are shorter. I’ll be cancelling my Costco membership. No loss
I’ve had a Costco membership for about 3 years and always carry since I’ve never seen a sign prohibiting me from doing so. As far as I’m concerned my Right to Self Defense trumps their idiotic anti-gun policy. As soon as our membership is up for renewal I’m not going to renew it and let the management know why and tell them I’m getting a Sam’s Club membership since they don’t discriminate against Law Biding Firearms Owners.
Amy. Your killing me with the contract thing! You are a true Forest Nazi which in not a surprise. By the way I also carry while in the National Forest as well as Costco! Come and get me Forest Nazi! Remember people freedom is not free and never let thugs and tyrants try and take your rights away and never give them up!
I am a licensed concealed carrier in Illinois and have been a Costco member for years. I carry during every visit. Costco does not post legal signage that prohibits me from carrying while on their property.
Larry,
The issue with Costco specifically has been addressed, but I’ll just mention it in case you didn’t see it. When you become a member of Costco, you must sign an agreement which includes adhering to their policies. One of those is that you will not bring a firearm into their store. This fulfills their legal, notification requirement.
With a posted sign a person can be charged with trespassing in Texas after entering and caught, without the sign its a simple breach of contract. Criminal vs civil…plain and simple
Also some states like Florida have “Right to Carry Laws” for both Employees and citizens. This means contract or not it does not matter you have a right. If Costco fires an employee or a customer for carrying they are subject to criminal fines and civil tort. An anti-gun contract is illegal there.
So costco is in violation of there own rules. It says law enforcement but they have armored carriers coming in and they are not law enforcement.
I complained about this Costco policy on a consumer complaint site.
I explained that they are making their stores UNSAFE because of their policy and that they have “No Armed Security” to stop a bad guy thereby compromising the safety of their customers in the event a “Concealed Carry” Armed Good Guys could help.
Good news is that the local store manager was nice enough to care & actually track me down and call me. As he is a registered CCW & NRA member, we had a very pleasant, realistic and genuine conversation about this but he had to reiterate the company policy.
I was glad that someone at the store cared about and understood my comments.
The only way we can influence businesses is by actively registering our complaints with them. I encourage all to do so.
Costco is in the process of getting ready to build in Duluth, MN. We who are supporters of the Second Amendment will NOT shop there. We will make it known long before building starts that we will spread the word. Ask Dick’s Sporting Goods about business now.
LEGALLY, at least in my state, their notice in the contract or on their website is NOT sufficient to prohibit a licensed holder from carrying on their property. They absolutely MUST post in a conspicuous place a sign bearing the legal language required, VERBATIM, and other miscellaneous requirements such as notice size, text size and language(s), and they must meet ALL of these requirements. Writing or printing their notice on a piece of paper and taping it up is not legal, for example.
Therefore, again, in my state, they can list whatever they want in their “contract” and online on their website, I have seen both. But legally the only recourse they have would be to terminate my membership. Nothing else without those legally required signs with the required statutes is enough for any other discourse they think they might have.
At least to me, it is quite interesting, that such a big company with undoubtedly a sizable legal department, chooses not to post the legal signs but instead add a couple lines of text not meeting the statutes legal requirements to deny CHL holders to carry in their stores, and I find this quite telling. ***They play both sides here. No, we don’t want you to have guns in our stores but we’re not going to meet the legal requirements in our stores to actually prohibit that.*** (at least in my state.)
So yes I read the contract. Until the day comes that they post the legally required signage outside my Costco(s) in my state, I will continue to exercise my legal right to carry in their store since they have not even come close to meeting the minimum requirements to forbid me to do so. Man I love the state I live in!
Excellent responses. Just read through all the posts before vising Costco just today. I will carry as a legally licensed concealed permit holder. And Amy, please there’s no need for yet another verbatim on the membership agreement.
The Costco stores I go to in Texas do bot have the lawful no gun signs. They have a sign saying “no unlicensed” people can carry. Many stores in Texas use this approach that does not forbid if you are licensed.
The 2nd Amendment does not guarantee a US citizen the right to possess a firearm. It prohibits government from restricting ownership.
The problem with your theory is that you say “good” people should be able to carry guns wherever they want. How/who decides if the person buying the gun is “good”? Road rage is an example of usually “good” people who overreact and conflict ensues. By all means, police officers should be able to carry at all times due to their job. No one else’s had the right to cause me or my family stress when I just want to go shopping. I’m glad Costco keeps the guns out. It’s the sensible and respectful thing to do for its members.
Go take a shower ….. you are full of it, Katherine.
Amy, you have a point (a single valid point), but your approach/delivery is rude and obnoxious. Since you enjoy telling other people what they should do or how to behave, I will take the liberty to suggest you brush up on your communication skills – I doubt anyone here appreciated having to read your repeated posts only to find you just keep saying the same thing over and over and over…
Katherine, it is quite ignorant to believe that you are safer because you don’t see anyone carrying a gun (or any other weapon for that matter) around you or your family.
Many people are carrying concealed weapons (guns, knives, tasers, pepper spray or the like, sharp or blunt objects, etc.) around you in public all the time. Most are law abiding citizens permitted to do so (if the particular weapon requires a permit to be carried lawfully) and yes, some are criminals carrying illegally.
Common since and factual data show that criminals typically don’t present a firearm until committing a violent crime. They keep it hidden (concealed) until they use it.
Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
I am glad that there are ‘good’ law abiding citizens carrying around me whenever I am in public as an extra layer of security in case a ‘bad’ person decides to commit a violent crime within my vicinity. And I am glad to be a part of that group. I carry all the time anywhere I am permitted by STATE law and have done so for well over twenty years now.
I was in COSTCO for almost two hours yesterday and I was carrying my daily carry pistol on my hip as well as a backup subcompact in my front pocket (both concealed) and I was 100% within my rights to do so. Not to cause you further anxiety, but I was also carrying a little razor sharp knife; and it wasn’t even fully concealed! 😉
And NO, Amy, I have not read nor signed the infamous COSTO contract, as every time I’ve gone there (a couple of times a month for many years now) I am a GUEST, with my membership card-holding spouse. There are absolutely no visible signs posted anywhere prohibiting me or even politely suggesting I do not carry at any of the COSTCO stores I have patronized over the years.
“Amy, you have a point (a single valid point), but your approach/delivery is rude and obnoxious.”
These types of “Amys” are known as “Karens” these days.
Katherine sweetie, if we carry concealed how could it possibly cause you “stress” since you (and your very important family) can’t see it?
I carry nearly everywhere I go, don’t even think about it, and for me and thousands of others that includes Costco. Even if posted the only consequence if somehow caught carrying is they can ask you to leave period (in my state) or in Costco’s case I guess they can also cancel your membership. As long as you leave no problem, if you don’t leave then it can become trespassing.
Costco even though you may or may not read this I will give you my opinion about your not letting firearms in your store. The reason good people carry guns is because of the bad people carrying guns. We do it to protect ourselves. So you now are taking that away from us by not letting us carry in your store. So the good people read the rules and not carry in your store. Now that leaves the bad people who don’t read your rules and carry in your store. And that’s why we have a gun problem in this country and your stores.So that leads me to say this. If you don’t want guns in your stores make it fare for all of us. Protect all in the store. GET metal detectors. That is the only way to make it safe. I know they are expensive but so is your customers and your reputation.Maybe you don’t understand what a person goes through to get a gun license and to be one of the good people with a gun.
I personally will never shop at Costco or any other business that refuses my right to carry in a “Right to Carry” state. As citizens we vote in order to approve laws. The new world is business controlled by political agendas. I hate politics, politicians and big business. So I will continue to support businesses that support my rights.
What Costco doesn’t realize is that their patrons would be safer if legal weapons were allowed in their store. Criminals are not going to abide with the rule, will still bring their weapons into the store, and they are the ones we truly need to be concerned with. A legal gun owner may prevent an incident committed by a criminal in a Costco Store. A business was once successfully sued by a customer who was not allowed to bring their legal weapon into the business. Both her and her husband own guns and had to keep them outside in their vehicle. The husband was shot in the store during a holdup and neither him nor his wife had their weapons to defend themselves. Businesses how have a no weapon rule are actually leaving their customers open to more of a chance of danger than those who allow weapons. Legal gun owners have been deemed to be the most law abiding citizens. I respect everyone’s right to either own or not own a gun, but those who obtain them legally should be able to carry them everywhere, in order to protect themselves and possible others. No one is forced to own one, but I would bet that those who choose not to would be happy if they wound up being protected by someone who does own one. The Constitution is clear and I believe that a business is violating the Constitution by not allowing legal gun owners to carry within the store. I will of course, continue to shop at Costco and will respect their rule, even though I don’t agree with it, because I was raised to obey rules.
I was escorted out of my local Costco yesterday for having my concealed pistol on my hip (I am a CPL holder in my state). I have had a membership for 15+ years, have always carried my concealed pistol in the store, and have never had a problem. I guess yesterday was my day.
On my way out of the store, the manager informed me that I was welcome to “leave my firearm in the car” before coming into the store… This is ILLEGAL in my state. Per a citizen initiative passed more than a year ago, a firearm must be in your direct control at all times. Sad that those who are enforcing such restrictive and short-sighted policies are also ill-informed as to what the laws are concerning firearms.
As such, I cancelled my membership before leaving the store. They don’t deserve another dime of my money.
Policy, schmolicy. Concealed means concealed and the people in this thread who got made were doing it very poorly. There is NO excuse for that. I carry in Costco practically every weekend and have done so for a great many years. I’ve have never had a single problem. Learn to CCW properly. IWB, pocket, etc.
Dead Horse Amy! the appropriate legally binding signage needs to be posted where legally required. This may come as a shock to some but not everyone walking into that place is a member that signed a contract, some are guests /family members that have not signed the contract your waving about. Basic Common Sense mandates that Costco make its wishes known through signage for all to see. not just jembrtgggvgy
This Costco has no security cameras on the building. Would have been ideal if someone was carrying and at least, blew out a tire on the getaway car. https://hudsoncountyview.com/police-bayonne-man-59-charged-with-shooting-man-61-in-the-leg-near-costco/
Where in Costco’s site is their Policy regarding handguns?
https://www.costco.com/member-privileges-conditions.html
We just found out of Costco policy while visiting the Lubbock Texas store. We live in Midland and do not have a Costco. My husband open carries. I conceal carry we went in the store and told greeter we interested in membership- we were directed to customer service. Customer service spoke with us telling of the different cost of membership and benefits of membership. He then told us to check out the store. All of the time my husband had his gun on his hip. We walked the store. An older couple stopped and talked to us complimenting my husbands gun type and saying they too carry, I assumed concealed. As we left a gate keeper employee with purple hair stopped my husband and asked if he was law enforcement- No- she then said he could not carry in the store. It is policy. He stated he did not know this since there were no notices on the store front- this is required by Texas law- she said Costco does not have to – he explained without the notice it could not be known by those entering that guns were not allowed to be carried. He informed her we would not become members of the club since we now knew the policy -I went to their website and found the policy of no carry in the question and answer section. This is not prominently posted on their site nor in the store. Nor in the membership booklet they handed us. not to complain or rant on their policy. I called customer service not to complain of their policy but to explain that in Texas a right to carry state legal gun carriers are looking for signage on businesses so we know the legalities of carrying in the store. They should have the courtesy to post 30.06 and or 30.07 so we can make the choice of removing our firearms or not entering. The customer service who was in Washington state was ignorant of Texas law as we were of Costco policy and fully agreed with me. We had a good chat on gun carrying and the differences of our states. He was looking forward to presenting this to his higher ups. Costco has the right to choose their policy but they should be upfront to the public and definitely post the correct signage required by law. We gun carriers are not law breakers.
Hypothetically if a mentality disturbed person walks into Costco and starts shooting everyone like in a video I saw a few weeks ago, corporate will wish the didn’t have anti-gun policy. Because it would take on average of 6 minutes for the police to get there after the 911 call. That would give the shooter at least 7 minutes. Stupidity at its best. And watch them not approve this message. That’s DemocRATS for you