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?