New York: NY governor proposes allowing beer, wine in movie theaters

Source: WHAM

January 18th 2017

A new proposal in the 2018 New York state budget would allow movie theaters to serve wine and beer. It would establish a Motion Picture Theater Alcohol permit and would include some restrictions.

Governor Cuomo released the plan Wednesday in his 2018 fiscal year budget presentation.

Only beer and wine would be sold, not hard liquor, and one drink would be allowed per person. Wine and beer would only be sold during movies rated PG-13 or higher.

The specifics of the law aren’t clear, even to theater owners. They believe it could boost business and would be regulated so people wouldn’t overdo it.

Scott Pukos of the Little Theatre believes it would give people another reason to go to the movies. He said it’s not clear if the beer and wine would be sold at concession stands or would be available at your seat.

There is also no timetable on when this could happen, if the proposal is approved by the legislature.

Not everyone supports the idea. Debbie Ball is a drug and alcohol counselor. She opposes the idea of alcohol in movie theaters. Ball said she wants to go to places that are drug and alcohol free and worries this proposal gives the impression that leisure activities have to involve alcohol.

William Mason has some concerns about how this would be policed, but tells 13WHAM News he thinks it’s a good idea, overall.

The Little Theatre already serves wine and beer in its cafe, but movie-goers cannot bring alcoholic beverages into the theatre. Under this proposal, they could enjoy a drink while watching the movie.

The proposal is one of several this budget cycle that has caught the attention of the public.

Several other suggestions, including decriminalizing marijuana, have been brought forward in the $152 billion spending plan.

13WHAM News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.