No weapons sign at Durham restaurant cooks up controversy
DURHAM (WTVD) -- A sign posted outside a popular Durham eatery is getting more attention than the three gunmen that robbed the restaurant two weeks ago.
The armed robbers assaulted two employees and frightened customers. While there's a cash reward for information, police have yet to make an arrest.
There's a heated debate on social media as gun advocates and opponents debate whether the restaurant's sign banning firearms on the property makes it an easy target for would-be criminals.
"I live in Durham," one person wrote on Twitter. "The folks at The Pit lack common sense as everyone carries on that side of town!"
Another person asked, ""Are you taking up a fund, so The Pit in Durham can get a "No Guns" sign on the back door?"
The writer offered the hashtags #guncontrol and #criminalscantread.
The war of words on the web has at least one local columnist crying shame after some people blamed the restaurant's anti-gun policy for its recent robbery.
Some customers disagree with the controversy.
"I think it's over the top," said Sam Glover. "I don't think it invites people to come in because they know that nobody has a gun on them. There's zero logic behind that argument."
The police department's online crime report database says at least three burglaries or larcenies have occurred in the burgeoning part of
the Bull City where The Pit and other new startup restaurants and bars are located.
During the most recent robbery at The Pit, customers were ushered safely out of the building. The entire incident was caught on camera.
With or without the sign, armed employees or customers, some question whether if any of it would've made a difference.
"It's not like they have metal detectors at the door," explained Michael McCaskill who works at a nearby business. "So for all they know, someone's got a .38 in their pocket!"
