Cape Girardeau City Council to consider alcohol sales at movie theater

People who have a craving for a beer to go with their popcorn at the movie theater could have their wish fulfilled by the Cape Girardeau City Council.

At tonight's meeting, the council will consider a request from Wehrenberg Theaters, operators of Cape West 14 Cine, 247 Siemers Drive, to allow liquor sales at the movies.

The offering will be limited at most times to beer and perhaps wine, said James Hoffmeister of Wehrenberg, who will present the theater company's case for liquor sales at the meeting. Mixed drinks will be available when a movie event can be tied to a specific offering, he said.

"We had cosmopolitans at theaters that showed 'Sex and the City,'" Hoffmeister said. "Right now it is beer and possibly wine and occasionally a specialty drink. It won't be a full bar."

Some Wehrenberg theaters have been serving alcohol for about 10 years, Hoffmeister said. The company plans to extend alcohol sales to as many theaters as possible.

The alcoholic beverages will be available from a section of the concession stand set aside for the sales. The limit will be one drink per person and everyone seeking to purchase an alcoholic beverage will be asked to show proof of age, Hoffmeister said.

The council will consider the license request as part of its regular business meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in Cape Girardeau City Hall, 401 Independence St.

For more information, check back at semissourian.com or read Tuesday's Southeast Missourian.