Movie ticket? Check. Popcorn? Check. Adult beverage? Soon enough.
The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) announced Thursday alcohol service will soon be allowed at the movies. The amendment to the Liquor Control Act comes after the MLCC was approached by a “major entertainment organization” with plans to open a new multiplex theatre serving alcohol and food.
“The organization is prepared to undertake a significant investment in our province with this new movie theatre concept. Under our liquor licensing system there was no opportunity for us to accommodate this proposal,” said Roman Zubach, MLCC’s acting president and CEO.
The theatre complex must contain at least two theatres with a minimum of 75 permanent seats in each theatre, the MLCC said. The licensed portion of the movie theatre complex may not comprise more than 50% of the theatres within that complex. Liquor service would be restricted to the licensed theatre and patrons would not be able to take liquor into the unlicensed portion of the complex.
Details on when the unnamed organization plans to open their movie complex weren’t available.
UPDATE: A MLCC spokesperson confirms Cineplex Entertainment’s planned expansion of the Cinema City movie theatre on McGillivray Boulevard will serve alcohol as part of their VIP auditorium experience. The $4.5 million renovation is expected to be complete by this summer.
