Kootenay-Monashee MLA Steve Morissette has introduced a motion in the Legislative calling on the government to allow small independent movie theatres to serve alcohol to adults at mixed-aged showings.
“Across British Columbia, small, independent movie theatres are more than just places to watch films,” Morissette said. “They are cultural hubs. They host local events, film festivals, school screenings, and gather community together. But many of these theatres are struggling to compete in an era of streaming services and rising operating costs.”
BC movie theatres are currently only able to serve alcohol in adult-only showings, Morissette said, adding that his proposed change would give small independent movie theatres the same revenue-generation opportunity as other venues, such as live music venues, which are permitted to serve alcohol to adults during mixed-age concerts.
Morissette said he was inspired by discussions with local theatre operators in his riding, like the Royal Theatre in Trail and the Castle Theatre in Castlegar, to bring this motion forward.
“They asked if I could support them in asking for changes to liquor laws to allow them to sell beer and wine in mixed age audiences.
“An example a theatre owner shared with me was regarding the recent Taylor Swift Eras tour. When the local theatre replayed the concert for local fans that couldn’t afford the time or expense to attend the live shows, they could not sell alcohol to help sustain their business.”
Morissette said his motion would help give small businesses a boost, and that it was about “preserving the unique character of our communities. When a small theatre closes, we don’t just lose a screen — we lose a gathering place, and a shared cultural experience.”
The motion was presented during private members’ time. Debate is expected to continue on May 25. If it finishes, it will be voted on that evening. If it doesn’t, it will be voted on when the house resumes sitting in the fall.
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