Regal Cinemas Will Now Search Your Bag When You See A Movie And People Have Mixed Feelings

It’s the end of an era for rule enforcement at the movie theater, at least when it comes to Regal Entertainment theaters. The chain has apparently amended their rules to search any and all bags entering the theater to enforce tighter security following the string of shootings at movie theaters in the past few years. It seems like a rule that has always been on the books, but Mashable notes that many theatergoers noticed the heightened change earlier this month in places like Texas, Virginia, and Florida, with some theaters even adding signs to notify customers of the additional security:

Now some on Twitter are pointing out that this policy, while sensible, does seem a little odd given that this is the route people are willing to take while completely ignoring the gun issue at hand. It also pops up at a time when Sony was offering a refund to theaters due to heightened security connected with the movie Straight Outta Compton, something that doesn’t seem to happen with other movies.

Many seem to be fine with the changes across social media, noting that it’s time to do something about the violence and this is a step in a direction that might curb any future incidents from happening. But there are others that aren’t very happy, with this small sampling providing a glimpse of where the divide seems to be with Regal’s decision.

https://twitter.com/TeamTraylor85/status/634127570057822208

https://twitter.com/Breznican/status/634192100683214848

As it goes, Regal’s rules are pretty clear cut and they certainly have the right to do what they please to provide a safe environment and keep their business operating. Here’s the excerpt from the official site outlining the new procedures:

Backpacks/Packages/Bags:
Security issues have become a daily part of our lives in America. Regal Entertainment Group wants our customers and staff to feel comfortable and safe when visiting or working in our theatres. To ensure the safety of our guests and employees, backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to inspection prior to admission. We acknowledge that this procedure can cause some inconvenience and that it is not without flaws, but hope these are minor in comparison to increased safety.

I would question at what point will we be able to safety proof the world to keep us going until we’re in some sort of bubble-wrap suit to protect us from falling down. Someone could still shoot you outside the movie theater and this rule would seem to be pointless, but that’s the risk of life.

The proud few out there seem to point to another rule as the basis for Regal’s new stance, putting a time-honored tradition into retirement under the guise of safety:

Looks like this is the end of my tradition of drinking heavily while watching Michael Bay’s latest film. I’ll be forced to do it in the parking lot like a common drunk, while choking down the candy I bought at the Dollar Store. At least I’ll be safe.

(Via Mashable)