The Rio Theatre may just end up toasting the government.

Solicitor General Shirley Bond has confirmed the provincial government is actively looking into possible changes to the laws that prevent the east Vancouver cinema from screening films while they hold a liquor licence for live events.

“We are aware of the challenges that these establishments have faced with current regulations and in fact over the last several months have been examining the policy implications and are currently considering what changes may be appropriate,” Bond said in a written statement. “We look forward to having to more say about this in the near future.”

The Rio was forced to cancel all film programming – the majority of their business at the mixed-use venue – this week after being granted a liquor primary licence by the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

The theatre’s manager, Corrine Lea, claims she didn’t know a primary liquor licence for live events would forbid the Rio from screenings films, with no alcohol service, until last week.

The theatre was previously able to hold film screenings and serve alcohol at individual live events by applying for a special event licence.

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan and a handful of community organizations that rent out the theatre joined forces Wednesday to demand immediate action to keep the Rio alive.

“The minister can fix this literally with the stroke of a pen,” Kwan said. “Allow them to operate as they always have been… without the red tape.”



Full statement from Solicitor General Shirley Bond:

"We are aware of the challenges that these establishments have faced with current regulations and in fact over the last several months have been examining the policy implications and are currently considering what changes may be appropriate. We look forward to having to more say about this in the near future.

Historically, British Columbia has not permitted movie theatres to hold a liquor primary licence and serve liquor. One of the   considerations has always been the large number of movie goers that are youth and the unique challenge posed by movie theatres in ensuring minors do not have access to liquor. We are working to try and balance the desire to assist business owners in being successful with the responsibility of regulating liquor in the interest of public safety.

It is important to note that since our government took office we have worked to simplify the liquor licensing regime in the province. Prior to 2002, there were 19 liquor license categories for on-premise consumption of liquor, there are now only two, and we continue to look for ways to streamline and modernize our regulation of liquor in British Columbia."