Legislators reject measure to allow alcohol in theaters

BOISE – A bill to allow people to sip beer or wine while they watched movies at some Idaho theaters was shot down 38-30 Wednesday in the House.

Opponents feared minors might drink illegally in darkened theaters. They also worried that changing the law could set a precedent.

The Flicks, an alternative movie theater in Boise, and a handful of Sun Valley movie theaters have served beer and wine with their movies for decades. They allow patrons to buy beer and wine in the lobby and then carry the beverage into the theater to drink as the movie rolls.

Proponents of the bill, including the sponsor, House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, had wanted to clarify what’s emerged as a gray area after the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control Division raised questions about the practice.

Police haven’t ordered The Flicks to stop allowing moviegoers to take their drinks into theaters, but they are investigating how the practice can be regulated.