ALBANY- A provision in the recently adopted $237 billion state budget allows movie theaters throughout the state to sell hard liquor, a change from the current rule that only allows theaters to sell wine, beer, and cider.
Historically, lawmakers in Albany resisted calls from the theater industry to expand alcohol offerings to include hard liquor options but with increased competition from movie streaming options legislators decided to throw the industry a lifeline. The COVID-19 pandemic forced movie theaters to close for an extended period of time and forced many small independent theaters to close permanently.
State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall), who leads the Senate committee that oversees changes to alcoholic beverage law said that the new law was crafted with safeguards to ensure movie theaters continue to be a family-friendly place.
“People should be able to enjoy a cocktail while they watch a movie,” Skoufis said. “We have safeguards in place to make sure that we maintain an environment that’s friendly for everyone. You can only purchase one drink per transaction. If you want to enjoy a cocktail while watching a movie in a theater, God bless, have fun, just don’t get three sheets into the wind with kids around watching some animated movie.”
