The Lake Forest City Council took the first step toward approving a beer and wine license for a downtown Starbucks.
By a vote of 7-1, the council approved increasing the total number of liquor licenses by one. The request next goes to the city liquor commissioner, Mayor Don Schoenheider, for final consideration.
Fourth Ward Ald. Michael Adelman voted against the increase.
“Why a liquor license for a coffee house?” Adelman asked. “I can’t be supportive of this. I don’t think we’ve really thought long and hard about this.”
Starbucks plans to move from its present location at 722 N. Bank Lane to a larger space at 672 N. Western Ave. Store manager Jill Dwornik said she anticipates the move will take place by May 31.
Starbucks has acquired liquor licenses for about 50 locations in Illinois, said Harlan Powell, an attorney representing Starbucks.
“Beer and wine is a complimentary part of the menu,” Powell said. “Where beer and wine has been rolled out, food sales have increased.”
Starbucks will increase its evening food selection, adding such items at flatbreads, cheese boards and truffle macaroni and cheese, Powell said.
Dwornik said alcohol sales would start later in the day and run to the 9 p.m. closing time.
Adelman suggested that issuing a liquor license to a coffee house could be the beginning of an “avalanche” of requests for liquor licenses.
“Granting liquor licenses is a privilege of the city, not a right,” said City Attorney Victor Filippini.
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