Moviegoers in New York State Can Now Enjoy Alcohol in Theaters

After many years of fighting and trying, it has finally happened. The New York State Liquor Authority announced Thursday that beer, cider, and wine can now be served in movie theaters across the state. Some lawmakers have long felt the sale of booze could help boost business and attendance at theaters. With COVID-19 continuing to put a huge cramp on the industry, leading many to stream new releases that are simultaneously made available at home, this could save a lot of theaters.

A number of theaters across the country have already been doing this, including theaters in New York City that offered table service. Other theaters were allowed to serve booze only if the customer drank it in a lobby cafe area, or if the venue also served as a functioning restaurant (places like Alamo Drafthouse). Now, you can actually buy the alcohol at a concession stand with your popcorn, and then bring it into the theater. This could change a lot of things. The changes go into effect immediately, though it could take a little while for the theaters to obtain their licenses.

This again applies to beer, cider, and wine. Movie theaters still won’t be allowed to sell liquor or mixed drinks. That remains prohibited, according to Gothamist.

While some films like Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home have recently flourished, other more adult-oriented films have not done so great at the gate.

In other news, a new brewery has opened a taproom in the Hudson Valley. It's been a long journey for the three owners of this uniquely named operation. Location, finances, and even a pandemic have been factors that they've had to face along the way. However, their path now takes them to Orange County where a new taproom has opened its doors to the public. Read about here.