A Large Popcorn, and 2 Glasses of the Malbec, Please...

Here’s a fun possibility: head down to the Grand Cinema for that movie you’ve been looking forward to, get your tickets, a bucket of popcorn, a box of Milk Duds… and a glass of wine or beer.

That kind of date night could be a reality if a bill introduced in the State House passes. House Bill 1001 would allow Washington’s theaters, performing arts spaces, and concert halls to serve wine and liquor with a special license that wouldn’t completely ban minors, or require a high level of food service.

There is a permit process for nonprofits like the Grand to serve beer and wine, but apparently it’s less than straightforward for theaters, and doesn’t apply to for-profit theaters like the Blue Mouse. The new bill aims to clarify requirements for alcohol service in theaters. According to the TNT, the special permit would require the theaters to submit a plan to the state liquor control board for how they would prevent underage drinking.

Another option for us at concessions, more revenue potential for the theater – sounds like a win-win situation. Is there a downside we’re missing here?