We'll drink to that. Well, actually, hold that toast.
Rich Coleman's announcement this week that the government will allow alcohol to be sold and consumed in movie theatres raises a lot of questions.
While cinema operators and live theatre owners were quick to applaud the move, it's still not clear if this is a good idea for all venues.
The change in legislation will allow multiplex theatres to get a liquor licence and serve alcohol in adult-only auditoriums and adjacent lobbies.
Anyone who watches movies in multiplexes knows that it's virtually impossible to monitor food and beverage consumption - particularly in the dark.
It's hard to imagine that underage viewers aren't going to be able to fix a mixed drink in those humungous drink containers. (And we're not even going to touch the whole "sitting next to obnoxious drunks" question.)
And what does "adult-only" auditoriums mean exactly?
The legal drinking age in B.C. is 19 - movies that are classified as Restricted or Adult are for adults only, but movies that are classified 18A must have those under 18 accompanied by an adult.
Most movies showing in multiplexes are classified as PG - Parental Guidance - which basically means anyone of any age can go.
Multiplexes are designating 'adult only' theatres with adjacent 'adult only' lounges. But how long will this division last?
Perhaps we're fretting too much and too early. After all, if movie theatres overcharge for alcohol the same way they overcharge on popcorn and watereddown soft drinks, a beer will probably cost $29.59 and no one will be able to afford it.
