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British Columbia currently has 1 active listing for movie theaters. The median asking price is $998,000. Tsawwassen has the most listings in this category (1).
Buying a movie theatre in BC means taking on two sets of rules beyond a normal business sale. Consumer Protection BC licenses theatres under the Motion Picture Act, expects a licence for each screen, classifies the films and trailers theatres may show, and carries out unannounced inspections. If the theatre serves liquor, BC's liquor regulator, the LCRB, applies theatre-specific conditions to the licence. Many theatres are sold with their building or lease, so review that agreement as closely as the operating business. Confirm every licence and condition with the issuing authority and your lawyer before you buy.
General information only, not legal or regulatory advice — requirements vary by municipality and change over time. Verify current requirements with the relevant licensing body before making an offer.
Movie theatres are licensed by Consumer Protection BC under the Motion Picture Act, and its theatre guide says each screen needs a valid licence. The Province's liquor policy manual says a motion picture theatre licence is required for an establishment that shows even one movie a year. Consumer Protection BC also carries out unannounced inspections. Ask the seller for the current licence for every screen and any inspection history, and confirm with Consumer Protection BC what is needed when ownership changes.
A theatre may exhibit only films and trailers classified by Consumer Protection BC. It must post the BC classifications and advisories where tickets are sold and remove ratings from other jurisdictions from posters and advertising. For 14A and 18A films the theatre must ensure younger viewers are accompanied by an adult aged at least 18, and Restricted films admit no one under 18. Inspectors check these points on routine visits, so ask whether the current staff and systems handle them.
It can apply for a liquor primary licence, and the LCRB's Liquor Policy Manual sets terms specific to movie theatres. For example, the bar cannot be in the auditorium, and in a single-screen theatre liquor may be served in the auditorium during films only when no minors are present. Multiplexes use age-restricted areas, and drive-in theatres are not eligible. Consumer Protection BC says liquor sales are outside the Motion Picture Act, so a sale involves two regulators. Confirm the existing licence and its conditions with the LCRB.