VIDEO: Town Rallies Against AMC Loews Liquor License; AMC Responds [UPDATE]

A protest of the liquor license application from the AMC Loews Nassau Metroplex 10 was held by community members in front of the theater on Saturday.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilman Gary Hudes announced the rally in a letter sent to Levittown residents last week. Numerous community leaders spoke at the rally, calling the plan an invitation for underage drinking and saying that it will create situations unsuitable for children.

Opponents included the presidents of the Levittown and Island Trees school boards. Levittown president Mike Pappas, who spoke at the rally, told the crowd that the school board unanimously voted against the planned license through a resolution at their Dec. 14 meeting. Nassau County PBA president James Carver also spoke against the license.

Patch asked the AMC company for a response, and below is a response in its entirety from Vice President of Film Marketing and Communications Sun Dee Larson:

We understand officials in Hempstead sent a letter to residents about our interest in a liquor license for the AMC Loews Nassau Metroplex 10, but the letter voicing concern was never addressed with AMC directly. Our intention is always to work with local officials to hear and address any concerns. We reached out last week to begin those discussions and our calls have not been returned. We are confident when residents and members of the municipality fully understand the nature of our new concept and signature menu – which encompasses a much broader upgrade to the food and beverage offerings at this location – we believe the concerns will subside.

An unofficial poll run by Patch on the issue last week sees residents split 55 percent to 45 percent against the license. To vote in the poll, go here.