Drinks and a movie: Late alcohol service will stay at Port Theater
A Newport Beach city councilwoman’s appeal failed Tuesday to reverse expanded alcohol service at the Port Theater.
Councilwoman Nancy Gardner took issue with a Planning Commission decision in August that allowed the Corona del Mar luxury movie theater to serve alcohol until 1 a.m. instead of 11 p.m., as long as the movie had not ended.
“I don’t understand why a movie house has to serve alcohol at 1 a.m.,” Gardner said.
The rules also allow alcohol to be served anywhere in the building during movies, instead of just the second floor.
The council voted 6-1, with Gardner dissenting, to uphold the commission’s decision, citing a need to support the business.
The Port Theater, which originally opened in 1949, closed from 1998 to 2012. Councilman Keith Curry called it a “venue that’s provided tremendous value to the community.”
If the city were truly pro-business, it would provide such a theater what it needs to survive, he said.
The Island Cinema at Newport Center serves alcohol into the later hours, and the Port needs to offer later screenings to compete, said Jessica Prause, a Port representative.
Movies have not started later than 8 p.m. at the Port Theater this year, Councilman Tony Petros noted, but later alcohol service would go hand-in-hand with later showings.
Going to a movie once meant munching on popcorn and slurping a soda, Newport Beach resident Jim Mosher said. “We are being painted this picture that people need to be sipping wine while they’re watching the movie,” he said incredulously.
Mosher added that the Port Theater can sell any form of alcohol, while the Island Cinema can sell only beer and wine.
Resident Gary Sauter contended that the Port Theater should not be trying to compete with the Island Cinema; the Port’s location in a residential neighborhood does not provide the buffer for noise that Newport Center does, he said.
Resident Chris Beaufort likewise implored council members to restrict activity between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to help residents who already deal with much daytime noise and traffic.
“The residents come first,” Gardner agreed.
Mayor Rush Hill noted that police can adjust the time constraints if problems arise. Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said that because the police are OK with the rules, so is she.