Panera: Please don't bring your guns into our restaurants

SUNSET HILLS, Mo., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Panera Bread is joining other restaurants in asking its customers not to bring their guns into their casual dining locations, said the company Monday.

"The request is simply we recognize everyone's rights," said Panera CEO Ron Shaich. "But we also recognize that we are building communities in our cafes and are where people come to catch a breath."

While it makes the request of its customers, it will not conflict with local and state laws regarding firearms and will not charge management with enforcing the disarmament of customers.

"We're simply respectfully requesting that people leave their guns at home," said Shaich. "It's that simple."

Gun law advocates applauded the decision, saying it was a step in the right direction.

"We are thrilled that after months of discussions between Panera and Moms Demand Action, Panera is taking a proactive position in favor of our families' safety by putting a new gun policy in place. Moms are the consumers-in-chief of our households and we will reward companies that take a stand for our families' safety. We urge other national companies follow suit," said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, told CNBC.

The Open Carry movement has prompted several Second Amendment advocates to walk into restaurants and retail stores with weapons -- some semi-automatics -- to protest against the push for gun laws requiring background checks for gun purchases and restrictions on high-capacity magazines.