THOUSAND OAKS : Panel Backs Liquor Sale at Arts Plaza

The concessionaire who wins the right to sell food and drinks to patrons at the Civic Arts Plaza should be allowed to offer hard liquor as well as wine and beer, the Thousand Oaks theaters commission has decided.

While the city will select the menu and set the prices, an outside contractor will provide snacks and beverages during intermissions. The concessionaire--who will be chosen after a competitive bid process--will be allowed to apply for a hard liquor license.

“People want their vodka,” Commissioner Larry Janss said.

The theaters’ executive director, Tom Mitze, said that in his years of experience with performing arts centers, he has never seen an audience member get drunk during intermission.

“The only time we had anyone inebriated, he came that way,” Mitze said. “I’m a white wine man myself, but I have no problem with mixed drinks.”

Commissioners Julian McDonald and Larry Sparrow dissented in the 5-2 vote.

Sparrow voiced concerns about the city’s potential liability if patrons got drunk while attending a performance. McDonald said he thought that bartenders would not have enough time to serve mixed drinks during a short intermission.