OPINION: Smoking Should Be Allowed at Drive-in Theaters For Now

To allow everyone the joy of watching movies from their cars, I believe drive-in theaters should, temporarily, be allowed to set up separate parking areas for smokers.

Let me start out by saying that I know this will be an unpopular suggestion. But I also know there are plenty of people who will understand where I'm coming from. I'm married to a smoker. He's an awesome guy with whom I share a love for movies, who just happens to have this unhealthy habit.

When the Bangor Drive-In reopened, a few years ago, we were there on media night for 'Jurassic World.' We loved the nostalgic experience of watching a movie from our car, dressed in our jammies, with blankets and pillows. We got some hot food from the concession and enjoyed it so much, we vowed to return often. Of course, that couldn't happen because, shortly after the drive-in opened, the state deemed it an 'outdoor eating area' and banned people from smoking in their cars.

Now, here we are in the middle of a pandemic, and the Governor is allowing the drive-ins to reopen. What an awesome idea. People can get out of their homes, watch a movie, and yet respect the ultimate social distancing by staying in their cars. But, once again, smokers are banned from the facilities. So, I have a suggestion: How about relaxing the rules, just while the pandemic continues? Let drive-in theaters set aside an area strictly for smokers. Obviously, families would not be allowed there, because it's illegal to smoke in vehicles with kids. (a rule I absolutely agree with). The smokers could be parked toward the back of the lot, and required to smoke only in their cars. Keep it away from the concession area.

Like i said, I know this will be unpopular. I know plenty of people will be angry at my suggestions. But that's okay. I'm a big girl and I can take it. But it never hurts to ask.