Committee hears industry and regulator support for expanding theater liquor licenses to 200 seats

The Labor and Commerce Committee heard testimony Feb. 25 on HB 2476, which would allow a spirits, beer and wine theater license to be issued for theaters with up to 200 seats per screen, up from the current 120‑seat limit.

Committee staff described the alcohol control plan requirements for theaters frequented by minors: monitoring, trained staff, electronic ID scanners and identification checks at all points of sale. Senator King told the committee HB 2476 is important for local economic projects, citing a planned multi‑million‑dollar theater development in the Yakima Valley that would be helped by the change.

Matt Dunn, senior director of food and beverage for Cinemark and testifying for the Pacific Northwest Theater Owners Association, detailed operator safeguards — staff training, distinctive beverage cups, two‑drink limits and auditorium monitoring — and said the vast majority of other states do not impose a seat‑count restriction on theater alcohol service. "Our goal is not to change the nature of the movie‑going experience," Dunn said, adding that allowing the change would help theaters compete with in‑home streaming and boost attendance.

Mark Webster of the Liquor and Cannabis Board said there are only 11 licensed spirits/beer/wine theaters statewide and noted that the bill’s alcohol control plan language outlines enforcement expectations. Webster offered to provide state statistics on youth access and disruptive incidents for committee consideration.

Public testimony and staff answers addressed details of what license types require food service and additional controls when spirits are included. The committee closed the public hearing and proceeded to other items on the agenda.