Laemmle to offer liquor in theaters and open new rooftop restaurant

The Laemmle Monica 4-Plex plans to join the new wave of luxury movie theaters by offering alcoholic beverages to drink inside its theaters along with two new eateries as part of a larger renovation project, reports the Santa Monica Daily Press.

The theater, which has been closed for remodeling since May, has applied for three alcohol permits and plans to sell beer and wine at a concession stand on the ground floor, according to the report. Patrons will be able to buy their drinks at the stand, then drink them in the theater during the movie.

The stand will also sell prepared food, including sliders, salad, pizza and sandwiches.

“The cinema environment is about to get more competitive in Santa Monica,” CEO Greg Laemmle told the Architectural Review Board earlier this year. “And we feel the enhancements that need to be made to our location here will allow us to present a modern and competitive film center which will show the foreign and independent films we’re known for but also allow a flexible space for festivals and screenings.”

Plans are also in the works for two new eateries, including a 3,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant. Another restaurant, which would span the first and second floor of the building, will seat 181 people and include an outdoor seating area.

Specific restaurant operators have yet to be released.

The Planning Commission plans to discuss the alcohol permits at a meeting Wednesday. The theater, which will be renamed Monica Film Centre, is slated to reopen by the end of the year.

1332 2nd St., Santa Monica, (310) 478-3836, www.laemmle.com/.