Queens Tribune
 
....October 26, 2:19 PM
 
 
   
Theater Seeks To Sell Booze

By ELLEN THOMPSON

As far as National Amusements sees it, Whitestone residents and moviegoers at College Point Multiplex Cinemas “have a love for entertainment and an excellent dining experience.”

With that thought in mind, the Massachusetts-based company applied to the New York State Liquor Authority in April for a liquor license at its 12-screen College Point movie theater.

The application, which is currently being evaluated by the SLA, is for the theater’s new Chatters Bar & Grill. Chatters is just one feature of National Amusements’ new signature theatre concept, Cinema de Lux.

“This is part of National Amusements strategy to transform the movie going experience and make our theaters a community entertainment destination,” said a National Amusements spokeswoman. “Every new theatre we build will become a Cinema de Lux theatre, but we will also be adding elements of the Cinema de Lux concept to our other theatres such as College Point Multiplex Cinemas, where we are adding our Chatters Bar and Grill.”

Chatters is a full-service restaurant featuring American fare, and would include a full service bar with beer, wine and signature specialty drinks. “Anyone is welcome to dine at Chatters; it makes a great place for lunch, meeting friends for a snack or enjoying a meal before, during or after the movie,” the spokeswoman added.

According to the SLA, a movie theater alone cannot apply for a liquor license, but if a restaurant is present on the premises an application may be processed, whether or not the film is shown in the restaurant or separate rooms. National Amusements could not confirm the configuration of Chatters as of press time.

For a liquor license to be issued, the Community Board has to approve a request and according to CB7 District Manager Marilyn Bitterman, “a certified letter has not arrived in the mail.” Bitterman said she could not comment further on the issue.

College Point Multiplex Cinemas would be the first movie theater in Queens to have a liquor license, if the application is approved. According to NYSLA, there are only a handful of movie theaters in upstate New York to hold a license, but none are in the City.
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