(KSL) - Starbucks wants to add alcoholic beverages to its assortment of coffee, tea and hot chocolate at five of its Utah stores, but the state alcohol commission isn't ready to let the pouring begin.

The Seattle-base coffee house giant has applied for a state liquor license to serve wine and beer as part of its "Starbucks Evenings" menu, which would also include small food plates. The five stores are in Holladay, Lehi, Farmington, Park City and Salt Lake City.

Shannon Boldizsar, Starbucks government and community affairs manager, made a brief presentation Tuesday to the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. She said the concept is evocative of European coffee houses on which Starbucks is based.

Boldizsar said she understands serving alcohol brings more responsibilities given the unique laws and circumstances in Utah. Starbucks offers the evening menu at 75 stores in 10 states, she said.

The commission did not make a decision on the license.

"There are some issues we need to work through," said Chairman John T. Nielsen, adding the request needs to be vetted at a "higher level" than the commission.

After the meeting, Nielsen said that higher level might be the Utah Legislature and the governor's office because it involves policy, such as the definition of a restaurant.

"What did the Legislature intend when it developed a license for a full service restaurant? Is it this sort of configuration or is it what we typically know as a full dining restaurant? And that's the issue," he said.