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Theater's liquor license threatened, cinema sues

Posted at 9:54 AM, Jan 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-21 14:26:42-05

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A theater is suing the Idaho State Police for threatening to revoke its liquor license after the theater served alcohol while showing "Fifty Shades of Grey."

The Idaho Statesman reported that Village Cinema in Meridian and has a license to sell alcohol and lets people consume their drinks while watching movies in designated 21-and-older "VIP" seating.

Idaho law, however, prohibits places licensed to serve alcohol from showing movies that depict sexual acts, like the R-rated "Fifty Shades."

ISP says the theater served beer and rum to undercover detectives watching "Fifty Shades" in the VIP area.

In its lawsuit, the cinema claims ISP's attempt to revoke its liquor license is unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment's free speech protections.