A bill that would allow small theaters across New Jersey to sell alcohol is moving forward.

The bill advanced Monday to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean's legislation would allow nonprofit theaters with 50 seats or more to apply for liquor licenses.

Currently, only theaters with 1,000 seats or more can apply.

Officials say the measure would help support the arts.

Kean is a member of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and a longtime supporter of the arts.