A teenager is leading a crusade to prevent alcohol from being served at an Orange County cinema.
Warren Davis of Aliso Viejo has started a petition with his friends, and they have already obtained 786 signatures in their bid to stop drink being served at the Edwards Theater in their hometown.
The 16-year-old said he would not be comfortable attending the venue if the company’s drive to obtain a drinking license is successful.
"I felt that I wasn’t going to be comfortable in a dark theater with a man drinking alcohol next to me, Davis said, "So I decided to inform my friends about it and they felt the same way."
The student believes it is important the 20 screen cinema remains a welcoming place for people of all ages.
"I feel like, this theater is especially a family friendly one, and it would just… change the atmosphere," Warren said.
However Aliso Viejo Mayor Pro Tem Mike Munzing defended the idea, saying if the council grants the alcohol permit there will be rules. Individuals will only be allowed two drinks, will have to wear a wristband and will have to show ID before being served.
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"They’re not going to be promoting beer and wine in the theaters... on the walls, it's merely going to be a line item on a menu (so if) someone wants a wine or a beer they'll have options." Munzing said
And he is not convinced allowing alcohol to be served will make the cinema less welcoming to families.
"I would certainly consider Farrell's and Chuck E Cheese to be family friendly and they also serve beer and wine," Munzing said.
Cinema users were divided on whether drinks should be served.
"I just feel like going to the movies is a family thing to do it might break down some of the dynamics. and the atmosphere would break down if people are drinking," Karen Brickey said
"It seems like if you're over 21 you're going to have a drink before you go in here anyway, so you don't have to go far," Linda Sullivan said.
A decision on whether the permit will be issued will be made at city hall on Wednesday.
