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Bill

A 6233

Permits for-profit movie theater to acquire plenary retail consumption license.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 2 co-sponsors

Allows for-profit movie theaters to sell alcohol on premises before and during first-run showings, with municipalities and ABC oversight and specific fee structure.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 6233

Summary of Assembly Bill A-6233 (Calabrese)

Purpose and scope

A-6233 would expand access to plenary retail consumption licenses (on-premises alcohol licenses) to for-profit movie theaters. With municipal approval and ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) oversight, eligible theaters could obtain licenses to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises primarily used for showing first-run motion pictures, with sales permitted in the two hours before showtimes and during showings.

Key provisions

  • Eligibility and licensing authority

    • The governing body of a municipality, with the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s (ABC) approval, may issue a plenary retail consumption license to a for-profit entity that regularly operates a motion picture exhibition facility (movie theater) focused on first-run films.
    • Licenses are restricted to premises primarily used for showing first-run motion pictures.

  • Authorized sale and use

    • Licenses authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises:
    • In the two hours immediately before showtime.
    • During the showing of first-run motion pictures.

  • Application and renewal payments

    • Initial issuance and renewal applications must be filed annually with the municipal governing body.
    • Initial license fee: at least $210,000, divided into three payments: one-third at issuance, one-third nine months after issuance, and one-third 18 months after issuance.
    • Discount option: if 10% of beverages sold are produced by holders of specified craft or small-scale licenses (e.g., limited brewery, farm winery, cidery, craft distillery, etc.), the initial fee drops to $150,000.

  • Transfer and license counting

    • A license issued under this section may only be used at the issuing theater’s premises (or adjacent premises) and may not be transferred to other locations.
    • Such licenses do not count toward the state’s license caps under existing statutes and are not counted in the statutory license totals.

  • Definitions

    • “First-run motion picture,” “for-profit entity,” “licensed premises,” and “motion picture exhibition facility” are defined for purposes of this section.

  • Effective date

    • The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.

Who is affected

  • For-profit movie theaters would gain a new, premised revenue stream through alcohol sales tied to movie showtimes.
  • Municipalities would administer the licensing process, with ABC oversight.
  • Craft beverage producers could influence licensing fees if at least 10% of beverages sold are produced by qualifying small licenses.
  • Consumers and communities may see changes in theater profitability, local economic activity around theaters, and potential public-safety considerations tied to on-site alcohol service.

Legislative status and related actions

  • Referred to Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee (introduced in the Assembly).
  • Related companion bill: S-7883 (companion in the Senate).
  • Related or prior-session bills include A-5488, A-7826, and A-466.

Notes

  • The bill addresses economic pressures on theaters post-COVID-19 and evolving consumer habits by enabling diversified revenue through alcohol sales.
  • It preserves the primary focus on first-run film exhibition while creating a regulated framework for on-premises alcohol consumption.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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