Today, Montclair Film announced that its non-profit subsidiary, Montclair Film at The Clairidge LLC, has received a plenary liquor license for use at The Clairidge, Montclair’s only non-profit movie theater.

Beginning Friday, March 14, 2025, The Clairidge will offer patrons the option of purchasing beer, wine, hard cider, and canned cocktails, allowing adult patrons 21 years of age and over the opportunity to enjoy a unique program of beverages as part of their moviegoing experience at the non-profit cinema, located at 486 Bloomfield Ave in downtown Montclair, NJ.

In 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law that allows non-profit movie theaters in New Jersey to sell alcoholic beverages to patrons. These theaters enrich their local communities by promoting the arts. Montclair Film at The Clairidge LLC, having met the conditions of the law and the requirements of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (NJ ABC) and the Montclair Town Council, has been issued a Non-Profit Theatrical License.

“Montclair Film has worked tirelessly to build The Clairidge as a home in our community for independent film, community events, and the art of cinema. This license will enhance the entertainment experience for our patrons and will help our organization continue to grow, ensuring that the cinema is here for years to come,” said Tom Hall, Artistic Director at Montclair Film.

“We are incredibly excited to be able to offer a unique program of beverages to our patrons at The Clairidge. We thank Governor Murphy for helping local non-profit movie theaters with this new law, and the Montclair Town Council for approving the license for our cinema,” said Evelyn McGee Colbert, President of the Board of Trustees at Montclair Film.

The beverage program at The Clairidge will focus on supporting and sustaining local partners, featuring beverages from many New Jersey based providers
including New Jersey Beer Co., Ironbound Hard Cider, Montclair Brewery, and Opici distributors.

For more information visit theclairidge.org.