Arlington Heights might allow alcohol at Starbucks

The Arlington Heights village board on Tuesday will discuss possible changes to its liquor code that would allow Starbucks to serve alcohol.

Starbucks, 1802 N. Arlington Heights Road, applied for a liquor license last week as part of a new concept that is being rolled out at select locations throughout the country called "Starbucks Evenings," according to the agenda item.

Unlike restaurants as described in Arlington Heights' liquor code, Starbucks does not have a full-service kitchen and would instead serve small plates along with craft beer and wine. The village would have to change the definition of "restaurant" or make an allowance to let Starbucks serve alcohol.

About Starbucks 50 locations in Illinois have received liquor licenses, including in Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Village officials also received a request from a possible cocktail bar, which is also not currently allowed under Arlington Heights liquor codes.

The Arlington Heights committee of the whole will discuss the possible code changes at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the third floor of village hall, 33. S. Arlington Heights Road.