NASHVILLE — Patrons of downtown Chattanooga’s new Carmike Majestic 12 theater soon may be able to enjoy something in addition to posh seating and the latest digital projection equipment — wine.
Senate Bill 2731, sponsored by Sen. Andy Berke, D-Chattanooga, passed the Senate on Thursday on a 24-4 vote. The bill would allow the Majestic to sell wine in its Ovation Club, an adult-only VIP auditorium that serves up swanky treats such as crab cakes, jerk shrimp and specialty deserts.
The Ovation Room already serves beer. But to sell wine, a change in state liquor laws was required.
The measure was sponsored by Sen. Berke at the request of Carmike. The House has yet to move on the bill.
Sen. Berke said the Majestic needed the legislation “so that the VIP lounge they had built in order to accommodate parties and other entertainment could serve alcohol.”