Being searched in a cinema – Page 2 – Chat Forum – Singletrack World Magazine Forum

Cougar · 2016-04-28T20:27:10Z

On a discussion on Facebook about cinema ticket prices, a friend noted that some cinemas still search bags for smuggled food. Now, the last time this happened to me was probably at the local fleapit when I was going to see latest movie release The Return of the Jedi, so once I'd got over the shock that it still went on I got to thinking "well, they've no legal right to search me." And I'm pretty sure that's correct. However, I was wondering - can they legally refuse entry to the theatre on the grounds that they've not been able to search you? I know pubs can refuse entry if you're too drunk or a known troublemaker and suchlike, but can any premises refuse admission for any reason they choose? Moreover, do they have to give a reason? Seems to me that would be a big old minefield for discrimination charges if they can. I've Googled it and found a lot of cinema policy statements (mostly the big chains all ban hot food and alcohol but allow cold snacks bought from elsewhere, it's only a few still operating like my old Unit 4); and I've found a lot of people discussing it with typically STWesque polar opinions; but no real concrete evidence around any sort of law. So the question is, if I'm about to enter a cinema auditorium, the minion on the desk asks to search my bag / pockets and I refuse, [i]whilst holding a valid ticket,[/i] can they legally and enforceably refuse entry simply because I may or may not have food on me? (And how about if I happen to be carrying food that I'm going to eat after the film?)

Cougar

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Topic starter

I suppose really it doesn't make a fig of difference to the cinema at a cost level so long as they're not generating four screens' worth of cleaning-up or taking up seats in a sell-out screening.

The only revenue loss would be if those 'scrumpers' would otherwise have come back to watch the other films as a paid viewers if they couldn't sneak in, or whether they're really going to see the one they wanted to see and a couple of 'supports' that they weren't fussed about. And conversely I suppose, would those people have even bought a ticket in the first place if they were only limited to one film instead of getting a few for their money?

Posted : 30/04/2016 1:45 pm

jamj1974

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I don't like it - would actively refuse if they got out the rubber gloves and lube.

Posted : 30/04/2016 1:49 pm

konabunny

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Otoh I'd actively volunteer if they did that

Posted : 30/04/2016 3:10 pm

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