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BY ALEX BELCHER

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

You're watching multisource business news analysis from Newsy.

Would you like beer with that burger and fries? That’s right, beer. Believe it or not, alcohol has become a newest menu item at some fast-food chains.  Here’s WHP-TV.

“The next time you want to belly up to a bar it could be up to a fast food counter. More fast food chains are serving alcohol to help boost sales. Burger King started selling beer at so-called ‘whopper bars’ in Miami, Las Vegas and Kansas City. Sonic will start serving beer and wine at the end of summer at two of its Miami area locations.”

Starbucks has even jumped on the bandwagon, selling wine in four of their stores in Seattle.  So why sell alcohol?  Restaurant consultant Ron Paul tells USA Today--

“In a tough economy, the move towards alcohol is a way to compete with casual dining — and can help boost typically slow evening business… For consumers, it's basically about having it your way — even if it's having a beer with your burger."

But critics point out, having it your way may not always be the safest way -- especially when some of the restaurants -- are drive-through businesses.  A blogger for Business Gather points out just a few of the problems consumers could face.

“…Beer and wine at fast food place just is not a good idea.  Sonic, in particular is strictly a drive-in restaurant.  Even if people stay in their cars in the parking lot to finish their beer and burger, what are they going to do next? Drive, of course.”

Other fast food and quick service chains say, customers will only be served alcoholic beverages inside the business.  But, it still raises questions of fast drinks making consumers fast drunks.  Some critics say that mixing fast food with alcohol could send a negative message to children.
(KPSP)

Christopher Muller, a dean at Boston University says, “Beer or wine sold at fast-food outlets might give young folks the wrong message… You don't want someone downing a quick beer, then getting into their cars and driving off. It's a delicate balance of risk and reward.”
(USA Today)

Other consumers have no complaints about this new venture.  One blogger for The Dallas Observer says—

“Nothing's more uplifting than getting drunk on a fast food patio and wolfing a foot-long chili cheese dog from Sonic. Which is the feeling we're guessing Sonic is attempting to capitalize on by the decision to sell alcohol.”

Analysts expect the cash component to lead to more and more fast food chains adding beer or wine to their menus. Other fast food joints including Chipotle have announced plans to add adult beverages soon.

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