Starbucks keeps alcohol expansion going

SEATTLE, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Coffee retailer Starbucks said it would begin serving beer and wine at outlets in Atlanta, Chicago and Southern California.

Up to six stores in Southern California could be serving alcohol by the end of the year, Starbucks said.

The franchise already has wine and beer on the menu in five outlets in Seattle and one in Portland, Ore., the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

"As our customers transition from work to home, many are looking for a warm and inviting place to unwind and connect with the people they care about," said Clarice Turner, senior vice president of Starbucks' U.S. operations.

Cafes that are expanding their offerings will also be rearranging the furniture, the newspaper said. To make the outlets more amenable to the social aspects of alcohol, the outlets will be grouping seats to accommodate large groups, small groups and singles, Starbucks said.