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Lawmakers to consider allowing alcohol in movie theaters

Apr 25, 2017 12:04 am

Matthew Hamilton is reporting in the Times Union as state lawmakers return to Albany on Mon., Apr. 24, for the final eight weeks of the legislative season, they are set to take up the question of whether alcoholic beverages should be sold in movie theaters. Some theater groups and alcohol producers are voicing support for the bill. Last week, Assembly member Joe Lentol, a Brooklyn Democrat, introduced a measure to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages to patrons of legal age with tickets for films rated PG-13, R or NC-17. Current state law allows theaters with licensed restaurants on site and tables at each seat to sell and serve alcohol, allowing the privilege to fewer than 10 movie houses statewide. Lentol's proposal is similar to the one put forward by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo during state budget negotiations, which was rejected by both the Assembly and Senate. As a result, it is unclear if the legislation can get passed before the session ends in late June. Read the full story in the Times Union.