TRENTON — Ordering a cocktail with popcorn at New Jersey movie theaters could move closer to reality under legislation advancing in the Statehouse.
The Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee voted 4-2 to advance a bill that would allow for-profit movie theaters to obtain liquor licenses and sell alcoholic beverages during movies and in the two hours before screenings. The measure now heads to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee for further consideration.
Under the proposal, theaters could purchase a liquor license from their municipality for $210,000. The cost would drop to $150,000 if at least 10% of the alcohol sold comes from New Jersey breweries, wineries or distilleries. According to reports, the licenses would not count toward existing population-based liquor license caps, creating a separate category specifically for theaters.
Supporters say the change could help struggling theaters draw more customers as cinemas continue recovering from the effects of the pandemic and increased competition from streaming services. Bill sponsor Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan told New Jersey Digest that the added amenity could encourage more people to return to theaters.
Opponents, including the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association, argue the proposal could reduce the value of existing liquor licenses, which can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Critics have also raised concerns that expanded alcohol sales at theaters could hurt nearby restaurants and bars. The bill does not yet have a companion measure in the Senate.
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