September 23, 2026

If you’ve walked past the Paramount Theatre recently, you may have noticed a new sign
posted outside. That sign is a required public notice letting the community know that the
Kamloops Film Society has applied for a Liquor Primary (LP) Licence for the Paramount
Theatre.

We wanted to take a moment to explain what this means — and what it doesn’t mean.
For years, we’ve been able to offer alcoholic beverages at our film festivals, galas and
special events through temporary Special Event Permits. The response from our
patrons has been positive. People enjoy the option of a drink with a film or a live show
— and our film-themed cocktails have been a particular hit. Of course, not everyone
drinks, and that’s completely expected — it’s always been about having the option, not
the obligation. This is event-driven service, tied to screenings and performances. We
are not becoming a bar or nightclub.

A permanent LP Licence would allow us to extend that experience beyond festival
weekends to more of our regular programming, and to do so without the red tape of
applying for a new permit every time. It would also make a real difference for the many
organizations that rent the Paramount for their own events, making it easier for them to
offer guests a drink and elevating the experience for everyone.

And to be clear: we will absolutely continue to offer liquor-free, all-ages and family-
friendly screenings and events — that’s always been a core part of who we are, and that
won’t change.

As a non-profit charity, financial sustainability is something we think about constantly. A
liquor licence represents a meaningful additional revenue stream that helps us keep
doing what we love: bringing great film and events to downtown Kamloops.

None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community. Thank
you for being part of what makes the Paramount such a special place. As always, we
welcome your questions and feedback.