Government progressed changes at Gaiety despite public survey results

Majority of respondents didn't want alcohol available at seats

Theatregoers will be able to consume alcohol in their seats next year despite the majority of people not being in favour of the move.

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture ran a survey in September seeking feedback on proposed licensing changes at The Gaiety Theatre.

Six-hundred-and-fifty respondents said they would not welcome the opportunity to have an alcoholic drink at their seat compared to 526 who said they would.

You can find out more HERE.

Despite this government submitted an application to vary its licensing area and, from February, the change will come into effect.

The DESC says it's something which will ‘secure additional income’ and 2025 – which marks the 125^th anniversary of the venue – is the ‘opportune year’ to make the change.

Bars will remain closed during theatre performances to ‘ensure the audience is focussed on the action on stage’ and alcohol will not be available for purchase at children or family performances or matinees.

However, security and bag checks, for specific events, will be introduced alongside increased cleaning, recycling and maintenance reviews.

Any audience member behaving in a way which goes against the terms of the licence, or who negatively impacts the experience of others in the theatre, will be asked to leave the premises.

Manx Radio has invited the Department of Education, Sport and Culture to comment.