Bill allowing alcohol sales in old theaters signed into law

Governor Brad Little signed legislation to allow Idaho theaters on the National Register of Historic Places to obtain licenses to sell beer and wine into law Friday.

The law permits theaters that were built before 1950 and are on the Historic Registry of Theaters to sell beer and wine. The theater would also need to apply for a beer and wine license.

There are approximately 13 theaters that were built before 1950 in Idaho.

Democratic House Minority Leader Mat Erpelding says there are currently only five theaters in the state that would be affected by the law, but about a dozen in all could eventually qualify.

The legislation will add an exception in Idaho law to allow the theaters to sell beer and wine when minors are present.

You can view a list of theaters that would qualify below:

*NuArt Theater, Moscow 1935, non-profit *Schubert Theater, Gooding 1920, non-profit, working on renovation Colonial Theater, Idaho Falls 1919, Idaho Falls Art Council non-profit *Panida Theater, Sandpoint 1927, owned by the Panida Theater Committee, non-profit Kenworthy Theater, Moscow 1908/1928, owned by the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center, non-profit Roxy Theater, St. Anthony 1935, privately owned but leased to and run by a non-profit *Wilson Theater, Rupert 1920, owned by the city Virginia Theater, Shelley 1903; sadly, this one is closed, but who knows, a non-profit may form and reopen it.

These are historic, but privately owned, for profit

*Egyptian Theater, Boise 1927, privately owned, for profit Roxy Theater, Cascade 1939, New Roxy LLC for profit Burley Theater, Burley, privately owned, for profit *Blue Fox Theatre, Grangeville 1929, privately owned for profit

*On the National Registry of Historic Buildings