B.C. considers serving alcohol at movie theatres

Would you like a beer with your popcorn, sir?

While it's still a definite no-no in a moving vehicle, British Columbia is considering an amendment to the province's liquor laws that would allow thirsty movie patrons to crack open a cold one while they watch the latest blockbuster.

Shirley Bond, B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety, released a statement Wednesday that said the provincial government was examining potential changes to the rules.

"We are aware of the challenges that these establishments have faced with current regulations and in fact over the last several months have been examining the policy implications and are currently considering what changes may be appropriate," she said in the statement. "We look forward to having more to say about this in the near future."

As the Globe and Mail reports, the province has historically blocked movie theatres from obtaining a liquor-primary licence due to fears of underage moviegoers accessing a bit of the sweet nectar.

Though a number of B.C. facilities combine movies and alcoholic beverages, these places are typically run under different provisions. For instance, one of the Silver City theatres in Coquitlam operates under a food-primary licence, while the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre lists itself as a club.

But as it stands now, no theatre can obtain liquor primary status.

The potential change may be good news to patrons and theatre owners alike, but as the Globe points out, it may be too little, too late for Vancouver's 74-year-old Rio Theatre.

According to the article, Rio's general manager Corinne Lea has been engaged in a battle with the government after she applied for a licence to serve liquor at events where no minors would be present.

Officials reportedly told her she would have to choose between calling her theatre a live-events venue or a cinema. Yet, based on the advice of a liquor inspector, Lea believed she would still be able to show movies provided no alcohol was present at the time, she said.

Not so fast, said the province. On Jan. 20, Lea was told she was "not to show movies or any type of cinematic screenings at any time."

"I can't make a living without the liquor licence ... [without it I'll be] out of business," she told the CBC, adding that her theatre was a "multi-purpose venue" and that large facilities that hold concerts and sporting events where minors are present don't seem to have the same restrictions.

The Rio's battle has garnered the support of many, including Vancouver councillor Heather Deal, who said she'd like to introduce a motion to urge the province to update its liquor laws.

A 1940s-themed Save the Rio fundraiser took place on Thursday.