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Politics & Government

Update: Coronado Starbucks to Sell Beer and Wine

The chain said in January it would launch a trial in California stores. A sign posted at Starbucks informs patrons of an application for a liquor license.

Update 2:45 p.m. Monday: Zack Hutson, a spokesman for Starbucks, confirmed that by the end of 2012 wine and beer will be sold at its Coronado store. Baristas said they were told the new concept would begin this summer.

The change includes a revised menu of small plates and savory dishes to be offered during late afternoons and evenings.

“Our Coronado store is the perfect place for customers to unwind and relax with a small bite to eat and a cup of coffee or glass of wine after a day of shopping or at the beach,” Hutson said. “Hopefully wine, beer, and a new food menu, will create another reason to visit our already thriving store.”

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Starbucks tested the beer and wine concept in Seattle in 2010 and has been slowly introducing it at remodeled stores primarily in the Pacific Northwest. (No one at the local store was aware of any plans to remodel.)

According to Hutson, seven stores currently sell wine, beer and premium food, five in Seattle, one in Portland, Oregon and one in Sun Valley, Idaho. By year's end, the chain expects to have five to seven locations doing so in Chicago and four to six each in Atlanta and Southern California.

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Remember when at its California locations? Looks like Coronado will be one of the test cases.

A sign on ' front window notifies the public that a “application to sell alcoholic beverages” has been filed. The date of the posting is March 1.

The sign notes that anyone who plans to protest the application should write the state's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, 3927 Lennane Dr., Suite 100, Sacramento, 95834. Letters must be received within 30 days of the post date, according to the notice.

An on-site manager referred questions to the district manager, who deferred to Starbucks' public relations department. Multiple calls seeking comment were not returned.

It is unclear how widespread the trial will be in San Diego. A casual survey of about a dozen other Starbucks' outlets in and around downtown San Diego did not turn up any other notices regarding licenses to sell liquor.

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