The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission has made changes to allow alcohol service at a movie theatre complex in the province.
The MLCC said it revised part of the The Liquor Control Act after an organization approached it with plans for a new multiplex theatre, which included an aim to serve both food and booze.
The multiplex will be Cineplex's structure on McGillivray Boulevard, near Kenaston, which is slated to be extensively renovated.
It will include adult-only theatres serving alcohol, along with other ones offering family entertainment.
"Cineplex was very clear they want to continue to offer family entertainment to all ages within their multi complexes. So this would be a separate, smaller venue they would make available for essentially, VIP treatment," said Diana Soroka, spokesperson for MLCC.
The change to the liquor act allows for a Spectator Activities Licence to be issued to a movie theatre complex, provided it has at least two theatres with a minimum of 75 permanent seats in each one.
A number of stipulations are also included under the changes to The Liquor Control Act, including that the "licensed portion of the movie theatre complex may not comprise more than 50% of the theatres within that complex," said the MLCC in a statement.
Liquor service would be limited to the licensed section of the theatre.
"We want to ensure Manitoba liquor laws provide opportunities for our hospitality sector to create unique entertainment options that are attractive to Manitobans and visitors to our province," said Gord Mackintosh, the province's minister responsible for The Liquor Control Act.
"By setting specific requirements for this form of (licence) we are ensuring responsible service continues to be a priority while encouraging innovation in the industry," he said in a statement.
