ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Recent measures passed by the state Assembly indicate potential changes that could soon allow movie theaters to offer liquor sales and continue the sale of takeout cocktails from bars and restaurants, marking significant additions to the larger state budget agreement.
Presently, most movie theaters across New York are restricted to selling beer and wine only. However, under the new legislation, theaters may have the opportunity to broaden their offerings to include liquor, opening up new avenues for both patrons and businesses.
Scott Pukos, Director of Communications at The Little Theatre, expressed enthusiasm for the potential changes, highlighting the positive impact on independent movie theaters and their communities. Pukos noted that while The Little Theatre currently offers a selection of alcoholic beverages, the expansion to include liquor sales could foster greater creativity, allowing for the crafting of specialty cocktails tailored to specific movie screenings.
Under the proposed regulations, patrons would be limited to purchasing one alcoholic beverage per transaction, with theaters required to cease alcohol sales once the credits roll for the final showing of the day.
Meanwhile, ROC Cinema, located on South Clinton Avenue and owned by Krisitina Dinino-Jeffords, has already taken steps to adapt to evolving industry trends. Dinino-Jeffords emphasized the importance of innovation in the cinema industry, citing the transformation of ROC Cinema into a dine-in theater with a full bar and kitchen. Additionally, Dinino-Jeffords, who also owns The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Bakery, played a role in advocating for legislation permitting takeout alcohol, which is now proposed for extension over the next five years.
Business owners like Dinino-Jeffords anticipate that these legislative changes will not only provide additional revenue streams but also enhance the overall customer experience. The potential extension of takeout alcohol sales is viewed as a valuable asset for restaurants, offering customers the option to complement their meals with a cocktail at home.
While awaiting the outcome of legislative proceedings, theater operators like Pukos acknowledge that implementation of these changes will require time, particularly in obtaining necessary liquor licenses. In the interim, establishments such as The Little Theatre plan to maintain their commitment to providing unique beverage offerings for special screenings and events.
As lawmakers deliberate on the state budget, the potential implications of these measures extend beyond economic considerations, with stakeholders hopeful that such initiatives will contribute to the preservation and vitality of small-scale theaters and dining establishments throughout New York and beyond.
