New Theater May Now Serve Alcohol : Lancaster: The council lifts a ban to allow wine and champagne at the city’s Performing Arts Center.

The Lancaster City Council has reversed a ban on alcoholic drinks in the city’s new Performing Arts Center, authorizing sale of wine and champagne to theater-goers.

With the exception of inaugural festivities in November, 1991, the $10-million center has had a no-alcohol policy.

But the council voted 4 to 0 Tuesday to allow patrons to sip a glass of Chardonnay or champagne at intermissions and 30 minutes prior to city-sponsored performances in the 758-seat facility, except at matinees and performances intended for children. Councilman Arnie Rodio was absent.

The action came in time for the 1992-93 season, which begins Sept. 18 and ends in May. Alcoholic drinks will be available at 27 of the 36 performances scheduled. The others are matinees or for children.

“I think it’s appropriate,” said Mayor George Root, noting he voted against the ban when it was imposed. If some residents oppose the sale of alcohol, “that’s their problem,” he said. “The majority of theater-goers would like to have it.”

The council’s action also allows alcohol to be served at non-city sponsored events at the center, under similar guidelines and if the organizations that rent the center secure approval from the city manager.

Last year, before the center opened, the council surprised many in the community by voting to ban the sale of alcohol, despite a city staff recommendation to the contrary.

Members of the nonprofit Lancaster Performing Arts Center Foundation, an offshoot of the city government that was formed to raise money for the complex, asked for repeal of the ban.

“I’m elated,” Louis Bozigian, president of the foundation and former Lancaster mayor, said Wednesday of the council’s change.

“The public that wants a glass of wine can have it. I think the decision was a right one. Theaters all around the world serve wine--it’s proper.”