It looks like Facebook is getting set to make a serious play in location based services in Europe.

According to an article in today’s Guardian the social networking behemoth is about to launch of “Deals” which would give users benefits and discounts at local retailers.

The company has announced partnership deals with several “heavy hitters” including Starbucks and Debenhams:

Through deals with partners announced today, the first 30,000 Facebook users to check in at Starbucks stores in the UK can claim a free coffee, the first 1,000 to check in at Debenhams will receive a free mascara and makeover and the first four to upgrade their contracts and check in at O2 stores will win a free Xbox or Playstation.