Since a shopper at Caraluzzi's Bethel Market observed a customer there openly carrying a gun, January 6, the question of how businesses - grocery stores, in particular - respond to this in Connecticut has brewed up a behind the scenes, social media storm. This week, The Newtown Bee received a letter from Po Murray, chairman of Newtown Action Alliance, encouraging business owners in Newtown to ban all guns from their establishments.

The manager at Caraluzzi's Bethel Market handled the January 6 incident by requesting the gun be covered, a request that was apparently honored. Caraluzzi's follows Connecticut State Law, which does not restrict open carry of firearms in businesses. However, certain businesses, including grocery stores, can decide to ban guns from their properties.

Shaken by the January 6 incident, the alarmed shopper posted the episode on Facebook. The news traveled fast, eliciting comments on both sides of the gun safety issue, and putting the Caraluzzi family, which operates three markets in Fairfield County, including one on Queen Street in Newtown, in the middle of the controversy.

On one side are those who believe that while Connecticut law allows open carry, store owners should support and post a position of not allowing guns into their businesses. On the other side are gun owners who believe businesses should not be bullied into stating a position that is contrary to state law. Comments on the Caraluzzi Facebook page ranged from "Caraluzzi's should be commended for their patriotism in supporting the second amendment an inalienable right provided to each and every American citizen…" to "I will however definitely discontinue my long term relationship with them if they continue to allow open carry in their stores. Make the right choice."

According to Ms Murray's letter, some residents have suggested a boycott of Caraluzzi's Newtown Market until the store agrees to ban guns in all of its stores.

In a statement released January 21 at , the company noted that "We've always taken the position of letting the politicians and legislators handle the laws…. While most non-law enforcement gun owners conceal their weapons and go about their business without generating a stir, we have had very few instances historically where an individual is openly carrying a gun, which caused a fellow shopper to feel uncomfortable. In the few instances that did arise, we have had management discretely request that the individual simply either leave it outside or cover it up. Like many other retailers, either local or national, this practice has been effective for many years."caraluzzi.com

The statement goes on to say, "We do not take this matter lightly so please be respectful as we consider this important issue amongst our family."

Mark Caraluzzi, president and CEO of Caraluzzi's Markets, responded to the controversy on Thursday, February 4.

"There is no organized boycott of our stores," he told The Newtown Bee, adding that the social media chatter has not affected business in any of the stores.

He has spoken with Ms Murray, and listened to her concerns, said Mr Caraluzzi.

"It's important to me. It's not a simple decision. I told her we would review our policy," he said, taking time to research, speaking with the Connecticut Food Association, and reaching out to other retailers. According to Mr Caraluzzi, other grocers and retailers in Newtown are in the same position as Caraluzzi's Markets. "We will make a decision, though, at our own pace."

Many shoppers on both sides of the issue have expressed their opinions over the past month to Caraluzzi's via e-mails, letters, phone calls, and personal interactions, Mr Caraluzzi said.

"Safety has never been an issue in our stores," he said, adding that he can only recall one or two occasions, over the store's 67-year history, in which a gun carried in the store has been brought to managers' attention. There has never been an issue in the Newtown store, he said.

"It's a real sensitive issue. We are standing by our statement, and ask that people be respectful of our time to research this," said Mr Caraluzzi.