yeah, in seattle there are two models that Ive seen.
the first is called THe Big Picture or something like that, and its a 21 and older underground bar, lounge, and theatre. Its fully stocked so you can get something like a martini, with relatively small liquid volume for bladder purposes thatll get you a good buzz. This is nice, but obviously not a business model that can be viable for 15 screens.
the other is cinebarre, which is all ages and has a somewhat typical concession stand, but you can sit at a series of barstools as well and get drinks. When buying the alcohol, its customary to tip, thus there is more incentive for slightly older people to work there. otherwise it handles the same capacity of people as any multiplex