VillaGaiety asks if alcohol should be allowed in theatre auditorium

Venue looking to extend licensed area

VillaGaiety wants feedback on plans to allow alcohol to be consumed within the theatre auditorium.

The venue says it's planning to apply to the Isle of Man Licensing Court to permanently extend the licensed area to cover all public areas.

It also wants permission to be able to serve drinks, sweets and snacks from the kiosk by the entrances to the Dress Circle for people to take back to their seats.

Alongside this announcement, the Gaiety has started an online survey for customers to give their views.

It says taking this step will bring the theatre in line with others around the world whilst bringing in extra income through refreshment sales.

It says it understands the risks - such as spilling of drinks and potential unsocial behaviour -  so it will be bringing in security and bag checks from specific events.

And, no, unless it's a band playing, bars won't be serving mid-performance. Drinks will only be available before shows and during the intervals.

A VillaGaiety spokesperson told Manx Radio: 'We would encourage our community to read the information page to learn more about this process, and be aware that extending the license does not mean that bars and drinks will be available to purchase throughout performances - we want the focus to remain on stage.

'Alcohol is already available to purchase prior to the show and during the interval, and this application 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. We would like to reiterate and reassure our community that the Gaiety bars will remain closed during performances and only reusable plastic drinkware will be available in the auditorium.'

With the application for the Licensing Court’s review due to be submitted in November, and preparatory works to adapt bar operations during the January closure, it's expected alcoholic drinks will be available to be consumed inside the theatre for specific performances taking place from February 2025 onwards.

You can find more information HERE.