Reaction has been mixed to Wonderland Cinema’s announcement that it will be selling beer and other alcoholic beverages to patrons of the Niles movie theater.

Jeff Hess, who brought his wife and two kids from Bridgman to see a movie Tuesday morning, said he thinks it is a good idea.

“Everyone has a choice to either drink or not drink, so why not?” he said. “It is not like they are forcing it. Then again, I like to drink.”

Dick and Elaine Petzke, of South Bend, Indiana, expressed a different opinion as they waited to see “San Andreas” Tuesday.

“This is a family place, so why do you have to sell alcohol?” asked Elaine. “I don’t think it is a good idea.”

“It can get noisy depending on who is drinking,” said Dick. “Some people can hold it and others can’t.”

Owner Carol Moore said they planned to start selling beer and mixed drinks on Friday, but the theater wasn’t selling on Tuesday due to some technical difficulties.

Once it is up and running — likely today — the cinema will offer 12 different kinds of beer on tap and mixed drinks from a “smart bar” mixing machine.

There is a limit of two drinks per person, but people are allowed to take drinks directly into any theater. The drink limit is enforced by swiping a person’s driver’s license.

Even with the precautions and drink limit, some are still unhappy with the theater’s decision to sell alcoholic beverages.

Thomas and Mickie Mahaffey, of Cassopolis, said Tuesday they would consider going elsewhere to see a movie because of the decision.

“Look at all the kids out here — and you are going to sell booze,” said Thomas, pointing to a group of children in the parking lot of the theater. “It’s not good.”

“I’m not against someone having a drink, but do you really need to do it everywhere?” said Mickie.

Moore Theatres owns Wonderland Cinema and three other area movie theaters. Wonderland is the first of the Moore-owned theaters to sell alcohol, although the concept is nothing new.

Movie theaters throughout Michigan and other states offer beer and alcohol sales.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but no one reports problems of that sort at theaters that have done it,” Moore said. “I don’t expect any problems because people aren’t coming to drink, they are coming to see a movie.”

Reaction to the decision was also mixed on social media.

The Niles Daily Star posted the original article about Wonderland alcohol sales on Facebook Monday and it received more than 50 comments ranging from outrage to excitement.

Many said they would not bring their children to the theater anymore, while others said it was a good way for the theater to bring in extra revenue and keep ticket and refreshment prices inexpensive.

The Niles City Council unanimously approved Wonderland’s liquor license in April of 2014. According to meeting minutes, there was no public comment about the issue.

Councilman Bill Weimer said Tuesday that, although he does not drink, he wouldn’t begrudge someone who wants to have a beer and watch a movie — especially when there is a two-drink limit.

“I don’t see any objection to it personally as long as everything is done in moderation,” he said.