VANCOUVER –New Democrat MLAs applauded Wednesday’s announcement of changes to liquor licensing which will help address issues that have been plaguing local movie theatres.

“It’s been a long time coming, but it’s good to see the government is finally taking action to allow theatres to apply for these liquor licenses that directly impact their business,” said Shane Simpson, New Democrat critic for liquor distribution. 

The government announced changes Wednesday that will permit theatres to obtain a liquor licence and serve alcohol in adult-only auditoriums and adjacent lobbies.

New Democrat MLAs have stood with community partners and businesses, like Vancouver’s The Rio and Denman Theatre, who have been calling on the Liberal government to act to amend existing liquor regulations. In the case of The Rio, these amendments will save one of Vancouver’s oldest cultural venues.

“The community in East Vancouver has worked tirelessly to call for changes that would allow The Rio to show movies as well as host live events,” said Jenny Kwan, MLA for Vancouver-Mt. Pleasant. “These changes will cut red tape and help ensure community-supported small businesses like the Rio can continue to thrive.”

“I’m very pleased to see these changes. The creative economy is vital for our future, and we need to work together to ensure it succeeds,” said arts and culture critic Spencer Chandra Herbert.

Jenny Kwan

Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's Legi

Shane Simpson

Vancouver-Hastings

Shane Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Vancouver Hastings on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Spencer Chandra Herbert

Vancouver-West End

Spencer Chandra Herbert was elected MLA for Vancouver-West End on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Vancouver – Burrard from Oct.