You will now be able to enjoy a beer of a glass of wine in a movie theatre thanks to a special license obtained by Cineplex Entertainment. Toronto’s Varsity Cinema located at 55 Bloor Street West is now serving beer and wine in one of four specially designated VIP theatres. This is a one-year pilot project after which time the success or failure of the venture will be evaluated. Movie tickets in the specially designated theatres carry a $5.00 surcharge.

Drinks will only be served before the movie starts. Servers will deliver the drink directly to your seat, and there is a 2-drink maximum which will be strictly enforced. Alcohol prices are surprisingly reasonable.

• Domestic bottled beer - $4.50
• House wine by the glass - $4.99
• A half litre of wine in the lounge - $16.20
• A bottle of wine in the lounge - $22.18

When I first heard that alcohol was going to be served in the cinema I couldn’t even fathom what prices they were going to charge given what the prices are for popcorn, pop, or water. I was absolutely shocked to see prices that are not only reasonable, they are downright cheap.

We are not the first province to serve alcohol in the cinema. Alberta has several licensed cinemas. And, it expected that there will be other licensed cinemas in Ontario.

Check out the movie listings at the Varsity VIP theatres if you are interested in having a beer or a glass of wine while watching a film.

Image courtesy Flickr.com