Kroger asks clients to stop openly carrying guns in stores

NEW YORK (Reuters) – American grocer Kroger Co (KR.N) began asking clients to stop openly carrying firearms in stores, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Kroger had previously followed local and national laws on the matter, she said.

"Kroger respectfully requests that customers no longer openly carry guns in our stores, except authorized law enforcement officials," said Jessica Adelman, vice president institutional affairs of the group, in a statement.

"We also join those who encourage our elected officials to pass laws that will strengthen background checks and eliminate weapons from those at risk of violence."

Cincinnati, Ohio-based Kroger's announcement follows Walmart Inc. (WMT.N) announced Tuesday that she would stop selling ammunition for handguns and assault rifles in stores across the United States.