Starbucks has renovated one of its Seattle, Wa., locations and, in an attempt to draw more evening customers, is now serving beer and wine inside.
The store, located at 1600 East Olive Way in the city's Capitol Hill area, reopened Monday after months of renovation with alcohol on the menu and an eco-friendly décor.
The change could be just what the coffee giant needs to attract nighttime patrons. USA Today has reported that Starbucks, which has more than 16,000 stores worldwide, currently does 70 per cent of its business before 2 p.m.
Beer and wine sales at the Olive Way location start at 4 p.m.
Though the test store is just starting out, a release from the company said it would "consider bringing this concept to select stores in neighborhoods where it is relevant."
Starbucks will have major hurdles to jump before it converts any of its B.C. locations, though.
Coffee shops in the province can be issued liquor licenses, but only if they meet certain qualifications. The focus of the establishment must be serving food at all times, and it must have a fully-equipped kitchen that is staffed whenever liquor is served.
It also must offer a full menu and, according to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, have "décor suitable for dining and table service."
