Beer, Wine And Books: Barnes And Noble To Test New Offering

By KAREN WALL and JUSTIN HEINZE

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA - For some folks, there’s nothing more relaxing than settling down with a glass of wine to read a good book.

Bookseller Barnes & Noble appears to be looking to tap into pastime by offering beer and wine at its cafes, according to reports.

The company has applied for a beer and wine license from the New York State Liquor Authority, according to a report in the Utica Times-Dispatch.

The Times-Dispatch report said the New Hartford Barnes & Noble will be testing the concept of selling beer and wine at the bookseller to ”see how customers like it,” quoting Keven Danow, a New York City-based attorney who consulted with Barnes & Noble on the license application.

A number of Barnes & Noble locations -- including ones in Devon, Exton, and Plymouth Meeting -- offer the cafe, with food and some beverages. Danow told the Times-Dispatch that the food offerings might change to go better with beer or wine.

Danow said the idea is not to turn the bookstore into a bar or nightclub, according to the report. The New Hartford location closes at 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday -- the same hours offered in Brick and Howell -- and the company did not see a change in those hours.

Good E-Reader and The New Republic reported the bookseller, which has 600 locations nationwide, has been trying a variety of ways to increase its profitability, including selling vinyl records, puzzles and games and other items.