Proposal to allow alcohol in theatre auditorium

Designed by Frank Matcham, the Gaiety Theatre was built in 1899

Changes could be introduced that would see audience members allowed to take alcoholic drinks back to their seats at a theatre in the Isle of Man's capital.

The government-owned Gaiety Theatre plans to apply to the licensing court to extend the area the beverages are permitted to all public spaces in the auditorium.

Theatre bosses said the move, which could be in place by February, would improve the venue's audience offering in line with other venues and secure additional income.

A survey asking for feedback on the proposal runs until 00:00 BST on 30 September.

Alterations

The move would mean that security and bag checks would be introduced for specific events, and there would be increased end of evening cleaning and recycling by the theatre's casual staff team.

A spokeswoman for the VillaGaiety, which runs the complex, said it did not mean that alcoholic drinks would be available during performances as "we very much want the focus to remain on the stage".

Only reusable plastic cups would be used for the auditorium, and alcohol would not be offered for family performances or matinees, she added.

The application to the licensing court is set to be submitted in November, with the alterations needed to adapt the bars carried out during the venue's annual January closure.

Theatre bosses said the move would be reviewed after three months of the new arrangements being in place.