Alcoholic drinks will be allowed in theatre seats

Alcoholic drinks will soon be allowed to be taken back into the auditorium for the first time in a historic theatre.

Up until now, patron's of the Gaiety Theatre in Douglas could only visit the bar before shows or during intermissions, without being allowed to take drinks away.

Villa Gaiety, the venue's government-owned operator, said the move to extend the licensed area would "enhance audience experience" and boost income.

Now that the application to the licensing court has been approved, the change is expected to be implemented in February 2025.

A public consultation from September showed majority opposition to the plans, with 650 respondents opposed and 526 in favour.

Villa Gaiety emphasised that alcohol would not be available during children's shows or matinees, that only plastic reusable cups would be brought into the auditorium, and the bars would remain closed during performances.

It said that the licensing change would "simply enable our customers to take their drink into the auditorium and enjoy it, without the need to rush to finish their drink either pre-show or during the interval".

"Our team will work to carefully maintain respectful behaviour of the theatre with alcohol consumption added in to this mix and rectify any damage caused from accidental drink spills or other incidents," it said.

Security and bag checks are also set to be introduced for specific events.

The operator, which is part of the Department of Education, Sport and Culture, said the 125th anniversary of the Victorian-era theatre made 2025 the "opportune year" for the change.

The impact of the move is also set to be reviewed three months after its implementation.

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