Panera announced on Monday that they will be enacting a "No Guns Policy," making it one out of a growing number of companies such as Starbucks, Chipotle, and Target that have made similar requests.

The Huffington Post reports that in a statement released on Monday, company leaders stated, "Within our company, we strive to create Panera Warmth... This warmth means bakery-cafes where customers and associates feel comfortable and welcome. To this end, we ask that guns not be brought into this environment unless carried by an authorized law enforcement officer. Panera respects the rights of gun owners, but asks our customers to help preserve the environment we are working to create for our guests and associates," explaining why they made the move.

Recently, gun-rights politics have made an uncomfortable move into restaurants, grocery stores, and other public places. "Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America," a Michael Bloomberg-funded women's group that formed in response to the school shootings in Newton, Connecticut, has argued that people should not openly carry weapons in public at all. On the other hand, CS Monitor reports that gun-rights enthusiasts are celebrating "open-carry" firearm laws by taking their guns with them into businesses like Starbucks or Target.

Ron Shaich, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Panera Bread Company, further described the "No Guns Policy" as a request to make the chain "an everyday oasis and not a battleground for political opinion," conveying his wish to stay away from problems of political debate.

However, the policy will be hard to enforce. According to NBC News, the chain hasn't had any actual problems with firearms at its stores, and Panera will continue to follow state and local laws regarding firearm policy. Furthermore, employees will not be asked to enforce the policy, and signs concerning the request will not be placed in restaurants. It seems that Mr. Shaich has framed the policy as more of a respectful request than an outright ban.