Schenectady Bow Tie First in NY to Serve Beer, Wine, Cider in Theater

Before, you had to drink your alcohol in the cafe area outside of the theaters. According to a new ruling from the SLA, not anymore!

Bow Tie Cinemas announced that Movieland 6 in Schenectady is the first movie theater in New York State to serve beer, wine, and cider under the State Liquor Authority’s new guidelines as declared earlier this year, according to a recent press release.

“This has been years in the making and we couldn’t be more proud that Movieland is the first theater in New York State to be covered by this new guidance by the SLA,” said Joe Masher, chief operating officer of Bow Tie Cinemas. “Thanks to Governor Hochul and our longtime legislative champions, Senator Diane Savino and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, for making this possible this year. Bow Tie Cinemas has an excellent track record of responsible serving of alcoholic beverages, in addition to working with local craft beverage producers such as Druthers Brewing and Nine Pin Cider.”

The new guidance, the result of a declaratory ruling made by the SLA, allows for movie theaters to serve beer, wine, and cider to theatergoers without having to have a table at every seat. Previously, theaters were restricted to consumption inside a café area adjoining the lobby or if the theater had a full restaurant kitchen, theater staff were only permitted to bring beverages to a patron at their seat with a fixed table.

“We congratulate the Bow Tie team for receiving approval to serve beer, wine and spirits inside their six-screen cinema in downtown Schenectady,” said Ray Gillen, chairman of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority. “As one of the first theaters in New York to receive this approval, we encourage Capital Region residents to visit Bow Tie Schenectady, take in a movie and enjoy their favorite beverage.”