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Planning Commission approves beer‑and‑wine service at Edwards Cinema with ABC conditions
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit allowing beer and wine sales at the Edwards Cinema, subject to standard ABC oversight and conditions; supporters said industry training and monitoring reduce risks, while opponents urged preserving family‑safe spaces and flagged concerns about location‑specific safety.
The Planning Commission on May 7 approved a conditional use permit (CUP 25‑0044) that would allow beer and wine to be sold at the Edwards Cinema at the marketplace, contingent on the applicant obtaining the required Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license and complying with the theater’s alcohol control plan and conditions of approval.
Assistant planner Andrea Murillo presented staff’s report, noting the existing 14‑auditorium Edwards Cinema has 1,321 seats and that the proposed land‑use approval would enable the applicant to apply for an ABC Type 41 license (restaurant selling beer and wine with food). "Your commission has previously approved similar requests for existing movie theaters in Bakersfield," Murillo said, and staff recommended approval with listed conditions.
Steve Rawlings, a consultant for Regal Entertainment Group, told commissioners the industry treats the concession counter as the regulated point of sale, enforces identification checks, and uses scheduled auditorium monitoring typically at least every half hour. Rawlings said a relatively small share of patrons purchase alcohol and described manager training and ABC monitoring as key safety measures. "Alcohol is served at the concession counter only...and everybody, who orders a beverage has to present an ID," he said.
Resident David Charles opposed the CUP, urging the commission to preserve family‑safe environments and raising concerns about hiring and training of 18‑to‑20‑year‑old employees who might serve alcohol. He asked whether popcorn or a bag of chips would constitute 'food' under the ABC rules; Rawlings and staff clarified that ABC requires an enhanced restaurant menu — items such as hot dogs, pizza or sandwich wraps, not only snacks.
Commissioners discussed site context and safety: one commissioner noted that the theater’s address historically has higher police service calls, raising caution about placing alcohol in a location that already generates high call volume. Others said ABC oversight and the theater’s internal controls mitigate many concerns. The commission moved and seconded to adopt staff’s recommendation; the motion passed and the CUP was approved with the stated conditions.
