A Fayetteville ordinance that could permit movie theaters to serve alcohol is getting more attention.
A discussion of the prospect was part of the City Council’s Nov. 7 meeting, led by Downtown Development Director Brian Wismer. Section 10-48(b)(1)c of the city code includes movie theaters among the businesses eligible to receive licenses to sell alcohol on the premises, provided such sales do not constitute more than 25 percent of gross sales. Sales would be restricted to beer and wine only, and would have to be served in a separate area. Table seating “for no less than 40 persons” is also required, which Wismer called impractical. A representative from Cinemark, which owns two theaters in Fayetteville, said the chain already serves alcohol in about 180 other U.S. theaters, under strict conditions.
The council did not take any action, but may consider amendments to the code that would benefit both the Cinemark and Pinewood Forest theaters.
About the Author
