San Francisco’s movie theaters are about to get a lot more interesting. The Board of Supervisors has unanimously passed new legislation allowing more theaters to serve beer and wine at their concession stands, potentially throwing a lifeline to struggling cinemas in the city.

District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill championed the change, recognizing the challenging economic landscape facing local movie theaters. “Movie theaters have been threatened by shifting streaming habits, the pandemic, and more,” Sherrill explained, with particular focus on small, single-screen historic theaters that have struggled to stay afloat.

Previously, the SF Planning Code required venues to generate a minimum percentage of gross sales from food, effectively placing movie theaters under the same restrictive standards as restaurants. This made it incredibly difficult for theaters to supplement their income through alcohol sales.

“Regardless how much we charge for extra butter, no amount of popcorn is going to make 51% of their revenue,” Sherrill candidly noted. The new legislation aims to provide financial flexibility for these cultural institutions.

While the rules apply citywide, they seem strategically tailored to support the soon-to-reopen Clay Theater in the Upper Fillmore neighborhood. Part of billionaire Neil Mehta’s revitalization project, the historic cinema will now have more opportunities to generate revenue.

This move represents more than just a policy change – it’s a creative approach to supporting local entertainment spaces. By allowing theaters to diversify their income streams, San Francisco is demonstrating its commitment to preserving cultural venues that might otherwise struggle in today’s digital entertainment landscape.

For movie lovers and casual cinema-goers alike, this could mean a more enjoyable theatrical experience. Imagine enjoying a craft beer while watching an indie film or sharing a glass of wine during a classic movie screening.

As San Francisco continues to adapt and support its local businesses, this legislation shows how thoughtful policy can help cultural institutions not just survive, but potentially thrive in challenging times.