Freeport City Council approves ordinance to allow theaters to sell alcohol

FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — Freeport aldermen voted five to two to approve an ordinance to allow theaters in the city to sell alcohol.

The ordinance specifically allows theaters to get licensing to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises of a cinema or movie theater venue consisting of one or more movie screens or stages.

The ordinance also states that alcoholic drinks can only be sold to guests with a paid ticket to a current show and that only single-drink sales are allowed, excluding specials like buckets or fish bowls.

Tivoli Enterprises was the company that approached the city council to get the ball rolling on the new ordinance. They approached the city regarding allowing alcohol specifically in its Lindo Theater location.

According to the City of Freeport memo, the city and Tivoli both feel prohibiting alcohol in theaters is an antiquated approach because many other theaters have alcoholic beverages among other amenities provided for enjoyment along with a theatrical viewing experience.

They also feel that theaters are far from public places because they are private enterprises with entrances controlled more strictly than most bars or restaurants.

The Liquor Commission has developed a standard that they believe strikes a balance between providing an opportunity for expanded operations by an established local business, and protecting the public interests of safety and responsible consumption.

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