Beer: Coming To An NYC Movie Theater Near You

NEW YORK CITY — Move over Milk Duds — New York theatergoers soon could opt for milk stout, among other beers and wines, at cinema concessions.

A unanimous vote by State Liquor Authority members will allow movie theaters more ways to serve beer and wine.

As many New York City cinephiles know, cinemas such as Nitehawk and Alamo Drafthouse already serve alcohol in lobbies and inside theaters themselves with wait staff.

But the SLA decision allows theaters to apply for licenses to serve beer and wine directly from concession stands — meaning theatergoers can pick up some cold suds with their popcorn. It's a request long sought by the National Association of Movie Theater Owners — known as NATO — as a way to gin up flagging revenues.

"The motion picture theatre industry faces many challenges stemming from streaming services and sophisticated HD home theaters," a NATO lawyer wrote to the SLA. "It is imperative that theatres search for new ways to enhance the moviegoing experience, enabling them to offset rising costs, and retain employees. Beer and wine sales would create a critical revenue stream to help offset these
headwinds."

The vote doesn't automatically give movie theaters a free pass on serving beer and wine. A months-long intermission on sales is likely as theaters apply for licenses.