Yes, you can once again bring beer and wine to Cinespia screenings at Hollywood Forever
Planning on watching a movie this weekend at Hollywood Forever Cemetery?
Start chilling your rosé.
The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on Friday reversed course and said it now is allowing guests to bring their own wine, beer and champagne to Cinespia, the weekly summer movie screenings at the fabled Hollywood cemetery.
The move clears the way for Cinespia patrons to enjoy the prior BYOB policy at Saturday’s showing of “A League of Their Own.”
“Today the ABC rescinded the temporary restrictions on BYOB alcohol at this weekend’s screening and screenings moving forward,” the group said in a statement issued by a publicist.
“Effective immediately our patrons can bring their own beer and wine to Cinespia in the same fashion as before. We will also continue to have a beer and wine bar with drinks for sale at each screening.”
John Carr, a spokesman for the state ABC, said the agency made a decision late Thursday and waited until Friday to notify the film screenings’ organizers.
Patrons will be permitted to carry in outside alcohol “for the foreseeable future,” Carr told The Times via email. No other restrictions were in place, he said.
“ABC just wants to ensure public safety is emphasized and the event organizers watch alcohol consumption,” Carr said.
It’s unclear what led to the change of heart by state regulators.
Cinespia had described the ban on outside alcohol as a temporary “last-minute restriction,” which was first imposed by the state for the July 4 showing of “Jurassic Park.”
To satisfy those irritated by the abrupt change in policy, Cinespia pointed out that beer and wine were available for sale to patrons, although some complained on social media about long lines Tuesday. Before the ABC’s about-face, beer, wine and champagne were to be sold “at reduced prices” during Saturday’s showing of the Penny Marshall classic starring Tom Hanks, Madonna and Geena Davis.
The initial move by state regulators caught aficionados of the screenings by surprise.
For more than 15 years, thousands have flocked to the burial ground behind Paramount Studios to watch classics such as “Chinatown” and “Singin’ in the Rain” while sipping on the merlot or ales they toted in. Many enter hours before the screening to enjoy a picnic dinner — and nab a choice viewing spot on the crowded lawn.
A publicist for Cinespia had said the original change in alcohol policy by state officials was not triggered by a specific event or mishap.
Twitter: @MattHjourno
UPDATES:
July 7, 2017, 6:05 p.m.: This article was updated with confirmation that state officials are now allowing alcohol at this weekend’s showing.
This article was originally published July 6, 2017, at 9:25 p.m.
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