In an attempt to muster up more sales in the afternoon hours, Starbucks has recently added beer, wine and cheese plates to its menu. Before you get too excited, don’t expect to find alcohol in any of the coffee shops around Kent.

An article on Bloomberg said recent locations include big cities like Chicago, Atlanta and in Southern California. And they don’t plan on spreading the juice to every Starbucks.

The locations selected are the larger Starbucks with more seating. That requirement alone rules out Kent’s shop. You’re lucky if you can find a seat.

Our concern lies in the fact Starbucks is selling alcohol.

We understand doing it to make more money during slow lunch hours, but alcohol?

Taco Bell is adding breakfast to its menu to gain more sales. Dunkin’ Donuts added lunch options. So … Starbucks goes with alcohol.

We’re not sure if it’s a ploy to be more hip and sophisticated, but it just doesn’t seem like the place to sit down and have a beer.

The coffee shops are already loud and often crowded — just throw in a few people who take advantage of the booze and turn into boisterous, intoxicated fools.

People like Starbucks for reading, studying and enjoying others’ company. Alcohol in coffee shops may work in Europe but so do man purses. The same doesn’t go for the States.

If it works and brings in more money, then great. But Starbucks may want to think about the repercussions alcohol can bring rather than the revenue.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board whose names are listed above.