Braintree AMC Denied Liquor License

Originally published Oct. 25, 2016

BRAINTREE, MA — Only non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the Braintree AMC theater.

Tuesday, the Board of Licensing Commissioners voted 4-0 to reject a request for an all-alcohol license from the theater. Interim Police Chief Paul Shastany was not present at the meeting. The request was the theater's second, with the previously request withdrawn last year.

The request was part of the theater's renovation efforts to provide a more upscale movie experience that includes reserved seats, a better video and audio presentation, and more food and beverage choices at all theaters.

Much of the concern from the board had to do with past police activity at the theater and a perceived lack of control over the alcohol. In a report to the board, the police department said in the past year they have responded to drug activity, domestic disturbances, one drunk person, disturbances, larceny, vandalism, and a stabbing at the theater.

“The Braintree Police Department has the same concerns we did in March 2015. There is no information on how AMC will be conducting services. It appears that a person can simply grab a drink and walk in,” a statement read.

Attorney and AMC representative Andrew Upton said they have not had issues overserving or serving alcohol to minors at any of their Massachusetts or national locations, telling the board that 10 percent of their customers buy an alcoholic beverage and of that group, only 10 percent buy two or more.

“We don’t have intermissions or breaks. People only get up to go to the bathroom,” Upton said.

Under the proposal, patrons would be limited to buying one drink at a time. They would not be allowed to buy a second drink for another person and beverages would be in a cup that is different than the ones used for soda.

Board members, however, compared to the proposal to other local theaters that only serve alcohol in areas restricted to moviegoers at least 21 years old. Manager Vincent Vecchione said they have employees check the theaters every 20-30 minutes for crying babies and cell phone use and that person would make sure alcoholics drinks are not being handed to underage customers. Board members, however, wanted someone in the theater at all times.

Building Inspector Russell Forsberg said adding alcohol in an area with police activity was a concern of his.

"The proof of a problem would be some pattern of drunkenness, citations, or suspensions. Not only in Massachusetts but nationwide, the record is a very good one,” Upton said.

“We’ve had violent crimes committed at this location. Now we want to present alcohol and I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Forsberg said,

“I don’t think the people who are committing domestic violence are going to be doing it more because we offer a $7 beer,” Upton replied.

“It’s not going to help,” Russell said.

The denial leaves the theater as the only AMC location in Massachusetts without the ability to serve alcohol.

The vote was done without prejudice, meaning the applicant can reapply at a later date.

Image: file photo