Vancouver–West End MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert is pushing ahead with his call to change provincial liquor laws in order to allow alcoholic drinks to be sold at film screenings.

On November 22, the NDP critic for tourism, culture, and the arts presented a petition with 2,000 signatures in support of this move in the legislative assembly.

“You’re allowed to drink at a concert with your kids, at the bowling alley, at the theatre, but you’re not allowed to have a beer at a movie,” Herbert told the Straight by phone. “That doesn’t really seem to make a lot of sense to me.”

The B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Act prohibits movie theatres from getting a liquor licence. Regulations also do not permit licensed cultural venues from selling alcohol during film showings.

“Movie theatres in Washington state, Oregon, Ontario—they all allow it,” Herbert noted. “I believe Alberta is moving in that direction as well.”