Could Bengie's Drive-In Theatre Close?

The long-standing tradition of catching a movie at Bengie's Drive-In Theatre could come to an end pending the decision expected to be made in a Baltimore County Circuit Court case this week.

The Baltimore Sun reports that the Middle River drive-in theater might close up shop if its owner, Edward Vogel, doesn't win a lawsuit he filed against a nearby Royal Farms store over the shop's outdoor lighting.

"If the lights are allowed to remain — it becomes a business decision, to say to myself, 'I can't get protection from Baltimore County. I can't win against these lights,'" Vogel told the Sun. He explained that the lights at the store interfere with about two-thirds of the 750 spaces at the drive-in.

Vogel told the Sun that the lights force him to delay opening the theater until nearby trees are in full bloom (to act as a barrier against the light) and that he's been unable to add a second screen to the theater as a result of the convenience store's outdoor lighting.

You can read the full story over at The Baltimore Sun.

Do you and your family go to Bengie's to see movies? Are you worried about the possibility of losing the drive-in? Tell us in the comments.