Tom Fletcher
Black Press
The B.C. government has created a new liquor licence that allows theatres to serve alcohol during movie showings.
The licence will allow theatres to serve drinks in the lobby, but patrons won’t be able to take drinks to their movie seat unless the room is adults-only. Rich Coleman, the cabinet minister responsible for B.C. liquor and gambling policy, said unlike the stands at a hockey game or out in a well-lit lobby, it’s difficult for operators to see if minors are sneaking drinks in a dark theatre.
A multiplex cinema now has the option of designating one theatre for adults only and serving drinks. The licence would also cover an adults-only lounge adjacent to the theatre.
“People are trying to save the older theatres, where it’s just a single-screen operation, and trying to have two types of business in order to basically survive and make those older traditional heritage-type theatres work,” Coleman said.
Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba already have similar licences for movie theatres. Jeremy Bator, president of the Motion Picture Theatre Association of B.C., praised the move.
“These changes will have a positive impact on so many levels, including increased jobs, a better guest experience and a more level playing field in the increasingly competitive landscape of entertainment in Canada,” Bator said.
