I didn’t know theaters like this even existed anymore, now that we are comfortably in the era of home video. The last of these types of joints closed down in NYC’s Times Square years ago. Read the whole story at CBC News…

Undercover officer alleges XXX activity at porno theatre

An undercover police officer says that casual sex, prostitution and drug use are making Vancouver’s last XXX film theatre a health risk.

This comes as Vancouver’s licencing department prepares to debate the future of the pornographic establishment.

The Fox Cinema near the intersection of Main Street and Kingsway in East Vancouver has been showing pornographic films for about 25 years, but recent changes in the neighbourhood have prompted complaints from people in the community who want it shut down.

CBC News obtained a copy of an email to the city’s licensing department by Vancouver police Const. Mark Jarvie, who revealed that he went undercover at the Fox Cinema earlier this year.

As the movie screened, he watched men perform sexual acts on one another, female prostitutes with clients, and was himself approached and propositioned.

During a series of visits by police in uniform in 2008, Jarvie says officers witnessed sex acts, an overwhelming unpleasant pungent odour, puddles of body fluids and excrement, and even patrons smoking.

Jarvie called the Fox Cinema a health concern and alleged it was in breach of city bylaws, as well as provincial and federal regulations.

He also forwarded to the city a series of personal ads on the website Craigslist, in which men tried to arrange to meet at the Fox Cinema for sex.

Jarvie noted a community centre is scheduled to open across the street and he had received 19 complaints from local community members who want the Fox Cinema closed.

Vancouver’s licence department will review Jarvie’s report on Tuesday morning at a hearing that could decide the theatre’s fate.

The owner of the Fox Cinema, Lisa Huang, has told CBC News that because of the neighbours’ complaints she’s become more vigilant, and refuses to allow prostitutes inside the theatre.