BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Going to the movies at The Marketplace in Bakersfield will soon come with the option to buy alcohol.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit for the Regal Edwards movie theater at The Marketplace after getting approval from the city Tuesday.
Some members of the public raised concerns during the meeting, including safety and whether alcohol belongs in a setting frequented by children. “You’re probably all familiar with the incident at Studio Move Grill a few years ago when a passed out, inebriated person [was found] with a gun in their lap. They had to evacuate the theater for safety … it could have been a disaster though,” one speaker said.
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A board official said, “You’re going to put alcohol is a children’s environment – it’s definitely making me have second thoughts about this.”
Last year, the theater began upgrading its menu to include full meals, which makes it qualify for a license with the Alcoholic Beverage Control. All workers who are 18 or older will be certified by the ABC.
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Other local theaters, including AMC and Studio Movie Grill, already sell alcohol.