Starbucks’ decision to offer wine and beer after 4 p.m. in one of its Seattle locations is brewing debate among Boston University students.
On Oct. 18, Starbucks announced that one of its Seattle caf?s would offer alcohol “in response to our customers telling us that they want more options for relaxing in our stores in the afternoon and evenings,” according to a Starbucks press release.
If this proves successful, the company will “consider bringing this concept to select stores in neighborhoods where it is relevant,” the website stated.
Dining Services spokesman Scott Rosario could not be reached for a comment on the likelihood of an on-campus Starbucks serving alcohol.
However, the revamping of the Seattle Starbucks menu has BU students wondering if on-campus locations should serve alcohol in the near future.
Many students had mixed feelings about the possibility of Starbucks serving alcohol on-campus. Some agreed that this addition to the Starbucks menu would appeal to a certain demographic.
“I think upperclassmen would like it, but underclassmen wouldn’t,” said College of Arts and Sciences freshman Josie Gilmore. “It would be taunting those that can’t buy alcohol. It makes Starbucks classier though, since it’s just wine and beer.”
Others wondered if this would increase the availability of alcohol for underage students.
“Upperclassmen could just buy alcohol at Starbucks, a campus store, and give it to underclassmen,” said Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences freshman Kim Barrett.
However, some, like College of Engineering junior Howard Harvey, said the addition of alcohol to the menu would make no difference.
“It wouldn’t affect the alcohol consumption on campus,” Harvey said. “If Starbucks served alcohol, it wouldn’t really affect the BU nightlife or the party scene.”
At any of the campus Starbucks, students can be found reading and studying while drinking coffee. Some students said the addition of alcohol has the potential to completely alter the ambiance of a company many have come to love for its coffee.
“I wouldn’t want to study where people are drinking,” said CAS freshman Jen Saigal. “I feel like [Starbucks] will gain business, but lose a lot of customers as well.”
CAS freshman Greg Lipay agreed with Saigal.
“I feel like it would change the atmosphere a lot because people would go there to get drinks, not to sit with their computer or a book,” Lipay said.
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