Charles Theatre to serve adult beverages

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles Theatre is in the midst of working out a new option to attract movie goers by offering alcoholic beverages at showings.

“A few months ago we sent out a survey to the people and had an overwhelming response,” said theater board member Mike Tracey. “The results of the survey showed us that people want more than just a movie house and they want more options when they are at the Charles.”

One of the options developed out of the survey was the idea to serve beer and wine for select showings. Over the last couple months the theater board has been working on the logistics to make it happen, preparing the theater’s liquor license application and purchasing equipment.

Once everything is ready, the theater plans to offer a selection of beer and wine in an area separate from the regular concession stand.

While this option will be available during regular movie showings, it wouldn’t be allowed during certain other events held at the theater.

“There are rules about not serving alcohol at school related events, so we will not be serving alcohol during all school functions, just like anywhere else in town like the Youth Enrichment Center,” said Tracey.

Word about the new plans has generated a range of responses over social media, with some in support of the idea while others are vehemently against it.

Those not-in-favor cited concerns about the theater’s ability to enforce age limits, the profitability of the endeavor, and whether or not a “family friendly” venue should be serving alcohol at all.

Those in favor pointed out that this is not an uncommon practice in theaters and would make them no different than other family entertainment venues such as bowling alleys.

“We have heard and read the community feedback, which has been overwhelmingly supportive of these changes,” said Tracey. “As far as some of the concerns go, we are listening and are taking them into consideration.”

There is no expected timeframe for when the option for drinks will become available. The theater has purchased coolers and is working on its application to the state.

In the meantime, they are also looking at other ideas to draw in crowds. The theater has added the ability to use electronic payments and rechargeable gift cards to purchase tickets, and is developing a website to share showtimes.

Over the summer, Free Movie Mondays brought in classic summer blockbusters for the community and the theater has for some time now been used as a venue for school and community drama performances.

“We would like to use the Charles Theatre as a venue for concerts, comedians, and other touring acts,” said Tracey.

Coming up, Free Movie Monday will be expanded into the Halloween season with showings of “Ghostbusters” and “Scream.” Tellurian Brewing will also be hosting a trivia night for those films on Halloween evening.