Can You Drink Alcohol At The Movies?

While there is no federal law prohibiting the consumption of alcohol at movie theaters, not all states allow cinemas to sell alcoholic drinks. In some states, movie theaters can only sell alcoholic beverages if they have tavern licenses, place tables inside the screening room, or have a full kitchen installed. Even with a permit, some cinemas might be restricted regarding what alcoholic beverages they can serve customers. 

Some states allow cinemas to add bars to their concession stands and serve alcoholic beverages to customers directly at their seats. Allowing customers to enjoy alcohol during movies has helped movie theaters draw a bigger audience. Continue reading to learn more about drinking alcohol at movie theaters.   

Why Do Movie Theaters Not Allow Outside Food and Drinks? 

It is against most cinemas’ policy to let customers bring outside food or drinks; however, there might be a few exceptions. For example, customers may be permitted to bring their own food and drink if they have food allergies. Of course, movie theaters allow customers to purchase food from the concession stands and bring it inside. 

One main reason why alcohol and outside food is not allowed in movie theaters is health and safety concerns. Alcohol impairment is one of the leading causes of drunk driving accidents and death in young adults. Many people drive to movie theaters, and letting them drink could lead to drunk driving accidents. Therefore, for liability reasons, some movie theaters do not permit customers to bring alcoholic drinks to the theater. In addition, it is also possible that some people become noisy and disruptive after consuming alcohol which could diminish the experience for other people in the cinema.   

Also, some movie theaters do not permit outside food or drinks because they are typically not set up for food consumption. If cinemas allow people to bring food into the theater, they have some requirements, such as the food should be wrapped in plastic or paper. This is done so cinemas can maintain a clean and comfortable environment. If people bring outside food into the theater, the odor could disturb other people watching the movie. Some theaters also have concerns that the outside food is not made in a safe environment which could be a health hazard for people with allergies in the theater. 

Another reason why most movie theaters do not permit outside food or drinks inside the theater is to maximize the sales of their concession stands. Not allowing outside food encourages people who come to watch movies to purchase food from the concession stands; this helps the cinema be the sole vendor and increase its revenue. That is important because many cinemas make the bulk of their profit from concession sales. Angelilka Film Center’s NoHo location is one of the movie theaters that serve alcohol. 

What Types of Alcoholic Drinks are Served at Movie Theaters?

Some movie theaters serve alcoholic drinks and allow patrons to take the drinks inside the theater. White, sparkling, and red wines are common alcoholic drinks at movie theaters. Some movie theaters also serve other alcoholic beverages, such as beer and movie-themed cocktails. 

Can Movie Theatre Staff Search Your Bags?

The staff is allowed to search your bags for outside food and drinks, as well as any weapons or implements that could harm others. While not all movie theaters search your purse or bag, some might do so to prevent you from bringing outside food or drinks if it is against their policy.  

Movie theaters cannot search your bag without your consent, so if you refuse to get your bag searched at the movie theater, the most likely consequence is that the management will ask you to leave the theater and refund your ticket. Some theaters may also search bags before letting customers enter due to security concerns. If you do not want to get your bag searched, you may have to find a different theater. 

Most theaters have signs put up around the entrance that indicates their no outside food policy. Even if they do search your bags at the theater, the most they do is move things around, which is why they may have ushers check for food inside the theater that was not found during the search.