Alcohol Now Served in Fast Food Chains

August 5, 2011

Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

1. bid (n.) [bid] – an effort to win or gain something
Example: The political candidate failed in his bid to be the president.

2. booze (n.) [booz] – refers to any alcoholic drink
Example: The legal age for drinking booze is twenty.
   
3. outlet (n.) [out-let] – a store that sells the goods of a particular manufacturer or wholesaler
Example: The successful business has many outlets all over the country

4. hospitality (n.) [hos-pi-tal-i-tee] – the quality of treating guests in a warm, friendly, and generous way
Example: The hotel staff shows hospitality to the customers.

5. premises (n.) [prem-is-ses] – refers to the area inside a building or a territory
Example: Smoking is not allowed within the company's premises.


Article
Read the text below.


American fast food chains are hoping to boost sales by adding alcoholic drinks to their menu.

In a bid to increase sales during slow, late-night business hours, big fast food restaurants now serve alcohol along with cheeseburger or waffles. Burger King's "Whopper Bars" sells beer for about $4.25 in six U.S. outlets. Meanwhile, coffee shop giant Starbucks serves beer and wine in some of its Seattle outlets.

However, experts are criticizing this strategy for the risks it brings to customers.  Christopher Muller, dean of Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration, suggests that customers who buy beer at fast food restaurants are likely to drive while under the influence of alcohol.

To prevent these risks, Sonic, a well-known drive-in restaurant, only sells alcohol to customers who are dining in. They would have to enjoy the drinks only within the restaurant's premises, they added.

For several fast food chains, however, the rewards are worth the risk. The combination of booze and fast food leave the customers with more dining choices. Also, as an advertisement from fast food chain Jack in the Box suggests, drunks tend to buy more fast food.

  

Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

·         Why is it important for a company to consider the customer's welfare?
·         What can companies do to make sure that their services do not harm the customer's welfare?


Discussion B

·         Do you enjoy eating fast food? What do you usually drink with your meal?
·         What foods do you think are perfect with alcohol?

August 5, 2011