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B.C. government lifts ban on movie theatres serving liquor
Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman oversees the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
The B.C. government has announced that movie theatres can now apply for licences to serve alcohol during film screenings.
Multiplex theatres will be able to get a liquor licence and serve booze in adult-only auditoriums and adjacent lobbies.
Single-screen movie and live-event theatres can apply for a licence to serve alcohol in a lobby where minors are present and to serve liquor in an auditorium for adult-only screenings or events.
If no booze is served, live-event theatres may now show films and broadcasts and host events for people of all ages without obtaining prior approval from the province.
"These changes give movie theatres and live-event theatres much more flexibility to operate while allowing adults to responsibly enjoy a drink while watching a movie," Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman said in a news release today (April 11). "These changes strike an appropriate balance between allowing liquor service at theatres and limiting minors' access to alcohol."
The reforms follow months of campaigning by the Rio Theatre, along with other independent cinemas, to get provincial liquor-licensing regulations changed.
Jeremy Bator, president of the Motion Picture Theatre Association of British Columbia, commended the provincial government for taking a "positive and responsible approach to updating the liquor laws".
"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 in the government's release.
According to the province, about 30 live-event theatres and 100 movie theatres may now be eligible to apply for such liquor licences.
The government says Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta already permit alcohol in movie theatres, with age restrictions.
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This is a clear-cut case of one person, Corrine Lea, taking on a government Goliath and not just winning the battle, but advancing the interests of all live entertainment and cinematic venues in BC. As someone who works in that particular industry, and a patron as well, I am so very grateful. Thank you Ms. Lea. You are my hero!
The breath-a-lizer tests before the BC Legislature Sittings.
Yah, I know, Radical Huh.