ONTARIO – Ontario City Council approved a liquor permit for Cinemark 14 Mansfield Town Center to sell alcoholic beverages at its Wednesday, June 20 meeting.
If the Ohio Division of Liquor Control also approves the D51 liquor permit, the movie theatre could begin selling beer and liquor from its location at 2355 Walker Lake Rd.
“It’s different,” Denver Dininger of Mansfield said. “I wouldn’t think it’d be at a movie theatre.”
He wondered what would stop people from sneaking alcohol to teens in dark theatres. And another Mansfield woman expressed similar surprise as she helped a young girl out of the backseat.
“I’ve never heard of it being sold at move theatres,” said Patricia Terry of Mansfield.
Movie-goer, Sharon, thought it was “ridiculous.”
“No, people get drunk, and they get crazy,” she said. “I come to the movies to relax. I don’t go to bars.”
Vice president of marketing for Cinemark James Meredith did not return phone calls or emails Thursday, asking for comment.
Cinemark’s website lists options as domestic, imported and local craft brews, red, white and sparkling wines and frozen and specialty cocktails. The site implies that alcoholic beverages are already served with caution at some locations.
“We want to make sure that everyone is consuming responsibly. So, if you’re under 40, don’t forget to bring your ID,” the site states.
A few council members noted this before voting in favor of the license.
“I’ve been to the ones in Columbus. They have beer,” At-large councilman Ken Earhart said.
At-large Councilman Eddie Gallo was the only member to vote against the ordinance.
