BUFFALO, N.Y. - The new AMC Market Arcade 8 opened for business Thursday evening, but it's not serving alcohol as planned...at least not yet.
AMC is in the process of applying for a liquor license from the New York State Liquor Authority.
The state legislature amended the alcohol beverage control law in 2011 to include theatres under the definition of restaurants, as long as they serve more substantial food items and food is served at tables.
The new theatre has 650 seats which all have small tables attached. The menu will include more than just typical movie popcorn and candy. They're serving flatbreads and sandwiches.
The theatre has taps ready to go, once the SLA gives the green light to serve alcohol.
The license AMC applied for would allow them to serve beer, wine, and spirits, according to the SLA's deputy commissioner.
The SLA is holding a public hearing regarding AMC's attempt to get a liquor license.
It's scheduled for Wednesday, August 22 at 10 a.m. in the SLA's Buffalo office on the third floor of the Electric Tower.
The deputy commissioner didn't say exactly how long it will take to grant or deny a permit, though he did say the SLA typically reviews a business' application within a 60 day window.
