Editorial: Alcohol in theaters has pros, cons Press Republican April 26, 2017 When you go to the movies, would you like to sip on a glass of wine or a favorite brew? Would you like those around you sipping — or guzzling — as well? These are questions that state legislators are again considering. A bill before the legislature would legalize the sale of alcoholic beverages in movie theaters across the state. Currently, according to the Bow Tie Cinemas organization, fewer than 10 theaters in New York state are allowed to sell alcohol — and those only because they are attached to licensed restaurants. We see several pros and several cons to the idea. Offering alcohol for sale might enhance movie attendance. That would be good for the theaters and good for the makers and distributors of the alcohol. Local brewers and wine makers are in the latter category, and they are growing into significant businesses in many parts of the state, including our own. And the availability of an alcoholic drink might improve the movie-going experience for people who are used to having a beverage or two while watching a flick on TV. On the other hand, the drinkers in the audience have to get home — usually, by driving. Any encouragement to watch, drink and then drive seems ill advised. Of course, drinking is welcomed at other public events, and the imbibers must find safe ways home from them, too. A major consideration is whether the movie experience of the rest of the audience would be marred by drinkers who become noisy and disruptive. Remember, this is not the 1950s, when ushers patrolled the theater to see that everyone behaved. At the beginning of each show, the audience is now given a brief reminder of how obnoxious cellphones and talking can be during a movie. Certainly alcohol would not be a restraining influence or one that offers the prospect of less noise. We’re not suggesting, however, that the sale of alcohol would turn movie theaters into the scenes of rowdy parties. Right now, wine and sometimes other alcoholic beverages are sold at theaters that hold live performances, in our area and elsewhere, and most audiences seem well behaved. In a movie theater, we suspect, there is always the possibility that one drink could lead to another, which would involve audience members coming and going during the picture, to the frustration of others. Tongues also loosen up when people are drinking, and the last thing movie-goers need is more patrons talking during the film. And confrontations over those or other issues have a higher chance of turning into fights if alcohol is involved. It’s possible the law could be written to enable theater policing of the policy to head off problems. And, of course, it would be up to the owner whether to even offer alcohol. In deciding whether to mix alcohol and the silver screen, there’s plenty to consider before lawmakers call it a wrap.