Small, independent movie theatres in British Columbia could soon be allowed to serve liquor during all-ages shows.
A motion by calling on the B.C. government to make the changes passed in the House Tuesday.
Currently, movie theatres can only serve alcohol at adults-only showings.
The motion was put forward by Steve Morissette, NDP MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
Morrisette said the changes will help support independent theatres in rural B.C. communities.
“When a local theatre closes, we lose more than a screen. We lose a gathering place, a cultural space and a piece of community identity,” said Morissette in his remarks closing debate on the motion.
Lisa Milne, owner of the Royal Theatre in Trail, has been among those advocating for the changes for the past several years.
“It’s going to not just financially enable us to get an additional revenue stream, but also just broaden our appeal,” said Milne. “Perhaps a mom and dad might stay and watch a kids movie … if they can have a beer or wine.”
She said B.C.’s current liquor rules for theatres are outdated and unfair to independent cinemas.
The province updated rules in 2012 to allow theatres to serve alcohol at adult-only showings, arguing that it would be difficult in a darkened theatre to see whether minors are consuming alcohol. However, similar rules do not apply to other sites, like live music venues.
Milne said many theatres already deal with people sneaking in alcohol, and updating the rules could improve safety.
“Our staff will be trained to recognize the environment and perhaps an individual who’s already intoxicated, and further ensure that the safety of the rest of the patrons are adhered to as well,” she said.
Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham welcomed the motion and said she will work with Morissette on the changes, though she didn’t provide a timeline for when they could be implemented.
Milne said many independent theatres want to see the changes introduced as quickly as possible.
“It’s a little dire out there for small businesses, specifically,” said Milne. “We’re hoping that they take this seriously and implement it in a timely manner.”
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