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After becoming the first nonprofit movie theater in New Jersey to receive a liquor license, Basie Center Cinemas is now serving alcoholic beverages to patrons aged 21 and up.

In announcing the launch of its alcohol service, the historic, independent twin cinema said it will – to the largest extent possible – feature products from hyper-local purveyors. For the Red Bank-based cinema, that includes area craft breweries and wineries.

“Basie Center Cinemas is now the only area indie movie house that can offer patrons a glass of wine, a local craft beer or a cool, canned cocktail to accompany their feature presentation,” said Izzy Sackowitz, chief operating officer of the Count Basie Center. The not-profit owns and operates the movie theater.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation in July 2023 making nonprofit arthouse movie theaters eligible for plenary retail consumption licenses. Previously, the law specified only nonprofit corporations that conduct musicals, theatrical performances or concerts as able to seek out such approvals.

Theater license holders may now serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises during the performance as well as two hours prior and two hours immediately after. The only exception is certain smaller theaters. There, the number of times they can serve alcohol during the two-hour post-show window is limited to 15 events annually, according to the legislation.

Mission critical

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The Count Basie Center for the Arts took over a former Bow Tie Cinemas in 2020 as a way to ensure the venue could continue to operate and promote film, comedy and other types of performances. The nonprofit’s president and executive director, Adam Philipson, said the new law is “critical to the survival of our independent cinema here in Red Bank.”

Like most cinema operations, Basie Center Cinemas has struggled in the post-COVID era. The venue believes the ability to serve alcohol will help generate revenue and offer something unique to patrons.

“This is indeed a lifeline for us and we intend to do all we can to activate this historic space,” Sackowitz said.

In addition to showcasing the latest films, Basie Center Cinemas hosts open mic comedy nights and film festivals. It’s also home to the region’s longest-running, late night interactive screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and Improv Jam, a monthly night of off-the-cuff live comedy.

Basie Center Cinemas can be rented for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and other private events.