Committee OKs forwarding ordinance to allow alcohol service at movie theaters

The Community and Economic Development Committee voted Sept. 10 to forward an ordinance that would amend the city code definition of “amusement places” to allow movie theaters to serve alcoholic beverages to full City Council for approval.

The amendment, TMP-3359, would change Chapter 4, Alcoholic Beverages, Article 1, Section 4-1 of the Lee's Summit Code of Ordinances to explicitly include movie theaters among the kinds of entertainment venues where alcohol can be served. Major Nicole Walters presented the change to the committee, saying, "What you have in front of you today is the amendment to, amend the definitions for amusement places allowing movie theaters, as a place where alcoholic beverages can be served."

Committee members offered no substantive questions during the presentation. Council Member Pryor moved to forward TMP-3359 to full council for approval; a second was recorded and the roll call vote was unanimous in favor: Vice Chair Carlisle — Aye; Council Member Pryor — Aye; Chair Hodges — Aye. The committee record shows the motion passed to send the ordinance to the City Council; final enactment will depend on the council's subsequent vote.

The ordinance text provided to the committee was limited to the definitional change; Major Walters did not present additional operational guidance (such as hours, on-site permitting, or server training) during the committee discussion. Any regulatory details beyond the definitional amendment would need to appear in subsequent council materials or implementing regulations if the council approves the change.

The committee also handled routine business before and after the item; TMP-3359 will next appear on a City Council agenda for final consideration.