Utah theater fined for showing "Hangover II"

Some things don't mix, at least in Utah - like R-rated comedies that depict nudity ("The Hangover Part II") and establishments that serve alcohol. / Warner Brothers

SALT LAKE CITY - A Utah movie theater that serves liquor has been fined more than $1,600 for showing "The Hangover Part II."

The fine issued by the state liquor board Thursday is the first for Brewvies, which only allows people 21 years and older to attend their movies and serves food and liquor to patrons. But under state law, many PG-13 and R-rated movies could net the theater a fine because of prohibitions on showing a film with sex acts, full-frontal nudity or even the "caressing" of breasts or buttocks.

While the fine for the first offense was $1,627, repeat offenders may be fined up to $25,000 and lose their liquor license for up to 10 days.

The law is generally used to regulate strip clubs, which aren't permitted to have nude dancers — G-strings and pasties are required to be worn — if they serve liquor. The law is applied only to businesses with liquor licenses, so it wouldn't apply to alcohol-free theaters.

Utah Highway Patrol officers issued the citation against Brewvies in early September after a complaint was filed with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

The movie was in violation because of multiple scenes, patrol spokesman Dwayne Baird said. "Hangover II" includes full-frontal nudity from male, female and transvestite characters and also has a scene showing a monkey simulating a sex act on a monk.

Brewvies manager Andy Murphy told The Salt Lake Tribune they have always complied with the state's liquor laws, and "don't want to shake up anything."

Brewvies got a state liquor license in 2009 that allowed patrons to have wine and mixed drinks. The theater has been open since 1997, but served lower-alcohol beers that only required approval by the city government.

The liquor board established the fine amount for such violations, and there wasn't leeway in the amount for Brewvies, department director Francine Giani said, adding that she's planning to urge the board to revisit their fine schedule.

[johnsmith9875]

Do you want this happening NATIONWIDE? Then vote for Romney. He's a Mormon and electing him as president will fulfill the White Horse Prophecy of Joseph Smith. Romney will then appoint as many Mormons as he can to his cabinet in an effort to push a Mormon theocracy.

[formerusmcsgt1]

by DrKnowe October 1, 2011 8:50 PM EDT
Yeah! +1 to Sarge.
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Thank you, Sir.

[formerusmcsgt1]

by annmac38 October 1, 2011 6:50 PM EDT
Yes, I am. Do you think the smut in movies and on TV is what founding fathers had in mind when they supported freedom of speech?
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I think what they had in mind was inhibiting the influence of your type of thinking on society as a whole - being that a certain group feels empowered for some bizarre reason to believe they should decide for any and all what will and won't be seen.

That's what I think.

[DrKnowe]

Yeah! +1 to Sarge.
And indeed 1perish, Franklin would have LOVED Brewvies, add prostitutes, and it would have been heaven!
People seem to forget that sex has been around since the beginning of time. It's only been in a minuscule sample of human history that we have become ashamed & embarrassed of it, and only in certain areas where select belief systems have suppressed it.
We gasp at Muslim nations and their rules for women, yet we have similar rules based upon similar theologies.

[formerusmcsgt1]

by barbaram99 October 1, 2011 5:40 PM EDT
The monmons... They are the reason I will not attend church.
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The reason I will not is because I subscribe to science, not myth, magic, and mysticism.

As well, I am not here to spend my life in servitude to invisible beings in invisible places.

[barbaram99]

The monmons...I don't drink..I live in Seattle. If some mormon asked me if I as a woman wear a bra and they do ask that..It is none of yer business. They have an odd dress code. I have heard movies where they swear in them. I know what the human body likes like for both genders. They were of age to drink and watch the movie..I know what mormons believe. They are the reason I will not attend church. They are not the true church and they show by forcing themselves on others. Let them watch the movie of they are of age to do so. I have never seen the movie.

[brian_norwood]

You know what mormons believe? Well, that makes one of you.

[FREERAYNGE]

The Church is trying to alter my life again.

[formerusmcsgt1]

Yeah.

Obedience to invisible beings in invisible places.

Incredible.

[Danize]

Judging from this brief summation of the movie, this was certainly to right move. But a theater that serves liquor? Somehow this just does not seem right in any state. As for viewers who find this kind of slime ball exhibition entertaining, well, you have my deepest sympathies.

[Danize]

Opps. THE right move.

[realtimecoffee]

You also against watching football in a bar? All that violence! I actually know a guy that served wine at a wedding once...man they crucified him for that one.

[UForgotPoland]

Utah is a perfect example of what happens when you mix government with religion.

[formerusmcsgt1]

by annmac38 October 1, 2011 3:44 PM EDT
You mean someone actually thought a movie was too filthy to show to everyone? Amazing---I see from some comments that the dregs are really upset with this decision. Too bad other states don't do the same
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You REALLY want the state deciding what movies will and won't be shown?

Are you serious?

[annmac38]

Yes, I am. Do you think the smut in movies and on TV is what founding fathers had in mind when they supported freedom of speech? If you want filth, go find it. It doesn't have to be pushed into our faces. And yes, my opinion on what passes for 'entertainment'is as valid as yours.

[skeeteril]

Oh my! I knew that the world was going to Heck when those darn kids actually started selling lemonaid from stands in the neighborhoods! Don't stretch those policemen too thin now.

Question. Would a clothed person showing genitalia cause a fine? That wasn't mentioned in the breakdown above.