Bill would allow alcohol at movie theaters

The state Senate passed a bill this week that would allow movie theaters to serve alcohol.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset), would allow alcohol to be served beginning an hour before each showing and until the final credits.
Jay Levinson, who owns four independent theaters on Long Island, including the Bellmore Playhouse, says he would have an employee watching the door and serve alcohol upstairs only.
He says the bill provides a lifeline for small business owners, who are struggling to attract customers while competing against the big theater chains and streaming services like Netflix.
Anti-drunken driving advocates, like Marge Lee of DedicateDD, oppose the plan, saying it will lead to parents getting intoxicated while bringing children to movies.
The Assembly has not yet voted on the bill.