Movie Theatre and bags

[chatt_town]

So me and my wife decide to go see the movie Django yesterday. We end up sitting next to the guy that had a what I call a sports bag that was big enough to have 4 days worth of clothing in it. I'd never seent his before. We got there about 25 minutes before the start of it. So It took about 15 minutes for me to just ask myself....why do you need a bag that big in the movies. Long story short. We felt very uncomfortable as he kept screwing with the zipper....looking at his phone, texting, playing with his glasses. He even one time rolled up a small winter coat and put it in the bag....so 5 minutes into the movie. we walked down the steps(I counted the rows) on the way out. I looked for security or a police officer which I couldn't find one so I told a guy that worked there. He looked like the manager. He told us we could go into another movie, but my question to you all is this. Why would you ever need a bag that size in a movie theatre. I may have been paranoid but in light of what's all happened the last few months. It was better to be safe than sorry. He said they check bags, but they had a guy that was about 75 or 80 years old taking the tickets that had a oxygen tank sitting in the floor next to him. How much do you really think he's checking. Seems like they would have more security there. the place was packed, there wasn't a seat left. Has anyone else ever seen a someone with a bag of this size in a movie theatre? If so, did it bother you? why or why not?

[ollinger]

Have seen it lots of times, done it myself at least once. People sometimes come into town (especially during the holidays) to visit, have some time to kill (pardon the expression) if they get in early, take in a movie with their small suitcase or backpack, have no other place to leave it. A guy on this forum wrote a few weeks about having seven hours between flights, might have brought his carry-on luggage to a movie if so inclined. Some of my daughter's friends seem to never go anywhere without their backpack, have their laptop, crystal meth, whatever in there.

[chatt_town]

okay...that's a descent explanation about having a lay over. The only problem with that I'd find it hard to believe that someone would lay over in Chattanooga Tn but I guess anything is possible.lol I guess I assumed he came there in a car and if so I was just trying to think of a reason to bring something that big into a movie. Well you've given one possible explanation. Lets see if any others come through. I normally don't over react to stuff but that was just over the top for me...especially with him being real figety for no apparent reason. lol I just got my stuff and got the hell out. I did at least warn the manager. lol

Originally Posted by ollinger

Have seen it lots of times, done it myself at least once. People sometimes come into town (especially during the holidays) to visit, have some time to kill (pardon the expression) if they get in early, take in a movie with their small suitcase or backpack, have no other place to leave it. A guy on this forum wrote a few weeks about having seven hours between flights, might have brought his carry-on luggage to a movie if so inclined. Some of my daughter's friends seem to never go anywhere without their backpack, have their laptop, crystal meth, whatever in there.

[chatt_town]

Thanks warehouse forum leaders.

[wrainsberger]

I am a theatre manager and have worked in the industry for over twenty years, so this is in my wheelhouse. Personally I will not allow something of that size in my location. I cant speak for all of the industry or even my company policy. If the patron does not have a vehicle to return it to or doesn't feel comfortable leaving it in their vehicle, I will store the bag in my office. If the patron refuses my request, they're asked to leave. It's my belief that a bag of the size you're describing offers too many safety concerns. The first in everyone's mind is a firearm thanks to the nut job in Colorado. In my mind though I think of other issues, other patrons being inconvenienced trying to move through aisles. An obstacle to overcome if we had to evacuate the building due to an emergency, fire, tornado, etc. I could go on and on.

I commend you for bringing it to a managers attention. Often times we are behind the scenes taking care of other tasks and staff members are unwilling or bullied by patrons into allowing such an occurrence. Patrons have an inherent " I am right, you're wrong" persona in today's world. Threats of taking business and their dollar somewhere else. Unfortunately too many managers bow down to a patron when it's not warranted. If in my mind, I believe that there is any threat to any of my other patrons, you're asked to leave. If not willingly, then by law enforcement. The safety of others is not worth that customers money, period.

All in all, I believe you were correct and I would have thanked you for observation. I'd have comped your tickets and you would have been able to return at your convenience.

[chatt_town]

This exactly what I was looking for. Someone with some experience in the matter. It took a while but once I thought it through, I decided it was not only not worth my life but others. I didn't want to make things worse by causing a scene by starting an altercation with the guy. I figured someone like yourself would be better equipped to handle the situation. I just think that is odd that they would allow something of that size in the movies. I just can't see where it has a place. I didn't even think of the other stuff you mentioned(walking through the isle). It also took up a seat and it was packed full. I mean he put a small waist length jacket into the bag on top of whatever else was in the bag. The bag was huge. I've used a bag of that size to transport clothing to tennis tourneys and I can tell you it was the only bag I needed for a 3 day tourney. What are you going to use in a bag that big during a 1 1/2 long movie that it couldn't stay in the car until you were done with the movie.

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

I am a theatre manager and have worked in the industry for over twenty years, so this is in my wheelhouse. Personally I will not allow something of that size in my location. I cant speak for all of the industry or even my company policy. If the patron does not have a vehicle to return it to or doesn't feel comfortable leaving it in their vehicle, I will store the bag in my office. If the patron refuses my request, they're asked to leave. It's my belief that a bag of the size you're describing offers too many safety concerns. The first in everyone's mind is a firearm thanks to the nut job in Colorado. In my mind though I think of other issues, other patrons being inconvenienced trying to move through aisles. An obstacle to overcome if we had to evacuate the building due to an emergency, fire, tornado, etc. I could go on and on.

I commend you for bringing it to a managers attention. Often times we are behind the scenes taking care of other tasks and staff members are unwilling or bullied by patrons into allowing such an occurrence. Patrons have an inherent " I am right, you're wrong" persona in today's world. Threats of taking business and their dollar somewhere else. Unfortunately too many managers bow down to a patron when it's not warranted. If in my mind, I believe that there is any threat to any of my other patrons, you're asked to leave. If not willingly, then by law enforcement. The safety of others is not worth that customers money, period.

All in all, I believe you were correct and I would have thanked you for observation. I'd have comped your tickets and you would have been able to return at your convenience.

[krz]

I would've assumed it was a cheap *** sneaking in loads of treats.

[wrainsberger]

No problem, as I said I completely agree with you on the matter. It's not worth any one getting injured or the risk of someone getting injured. We are held accountable for all sorts of things, including accident prevention. This to me was a trip/ fall hazard in the making. Also it had potential to start and issue between patrons. You did the correct thing, let us handle the situation. Too many times patrons want to take things into their own hands. Patrons confronting other patrons is never a good idea. I have personally witnessed the outcome of several of these incidents. Often times resulting with all those involved either being asked to leave or requesting bail money from family or friends. Theatres are private property and therefore are subject to our policies and procedures. I have the local LEO's on speed dial and use them when needed.

On a lighter note, if it was taking up a seat at my facility, in an almost sold out show, opening day of a major film....I'd have charged him for the seat.

[wrainsberger]

Originally Posted by krz

I would've assumed it was a cheap *** sneaking in loads of treats.

You'd be correct on that. Just remember if someone doesn't buy concession items your local theatres will not be there in the future. We survive off of concession sales, not admissions. Hollywood survives and profits considerably from the admissions. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts when people ask me questions about this industry.

[chatt_town]

Nah...that certainly wasn't the case. I've been a cheap *** before and brought my own treats in. I mean really...a bag of that nature is over kill and only brings the manager over to investigate. He was alone also. I am curious to what was up with that. It was pretty scary and again....I don't get caught up in what others are doing but that just didn't look right. It was like seeing a person in a long trench coat in the middle of July in Chattanooga.lol You know something is up.lol

Originally Posted by krz

I would've assumed it was a cheap *** sneaking in loads of treats.

[chatt_town]

lol...that(charging him for the seat) is funny. You are right about asking for bail money. I've not ever been and I don't want to go. I once allowed a guy to leave with one of my small mowers as he had already loaded it and was getting back into his car. I was about to throw a brick through the window and quickly did the math on bail money and possibly lawyers and let him go. I replaced it the next day for 50 bucks...I also caught the attn of another person who it turns out needed someone to cut a business and I ended up with contract. So in the end it turned out much better than I had hoped.

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

No problem, as I said I completely agree with you on the matter. It's not worth any one getting injured or the risk of someone getting injured. We are held accountable for all sorts of things, including accident prevention. This to me was a trip/ fall hazard in the making. Also it had potential to start and issue between patrons. You did the correct thing, let us handle the situation. Too many times patrons want to take things into their own hands. Patrons confronting other patrons is never a good idea. I have personally witnessed the outcome of several of these incidents. Often times resulting with all those involved either being asked to leave or requesting bail money from family or friends. Theatres are private property and therefore are subject to our policies and procedures. I have the local LEO's on speed dial and use them when needed.

On a lighter note, if it was taking up a seat at my facility, in an almost sold out show, opening day of a major film....I'd have charged him for the seat.

[chatt_town]

I'm sorry man...I've been guilty of this on more than one occasion.lol Many times I just eat before I come and I may still bring a bottle water in. It just seems like you all could make money but not beat us across the head with it. I mean 5 dollars for a coke? It just seems like you're asking for problems. The movie is high enough.

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

You'd be correct on that. Just remember if someone doesn't buy concession items your local theatres will not be there in the future. We survive off of concession sales, not admissions. Hollywood survives and profits considerably from the admissions. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts when people ask me questions about this industry.

[r2473]

Aren't you packin' OP? In Utah, we all are. Personally, I would have shot the guy, just to be safe.

"Shoot first, ask questions later" is my motto.

[chatt_town]

I am..but what has that got to do with this?...o...you talking about a gun. No I don't carry one. That's funny as hell though. You would have blown the guy away.lol So when you find out he's got a couple of days worth of Underwear and that jacket I saw him put in...then what? Ya'll don't have the standing your ground law do you?lol

Originally Posted by r2473

Aren't you packin' OP? In Utah, we all are. Personally, I would have shot the guy, just to be safe.

"Shoot first, ask questions later" is my motto.

[db10s]

Originally Posted by r2473

Aren't you packin' OP? In Utah, we all are. Personally, I would have shot the guy, just to be safe.

"Shoot first, ask questions later" is my motto.

Tons of people down here... Usually with a .380 Ruger LCP.... Can't forget the Crimson-Trace laser....

[db10s]

Originally Posted by chatt_town

I am..but what has that got to do with this?...o...you talking about a gun. No I don't carry one. That's funny as hell though. You would have blown the guy away.lol So when you find out he's got a couple of days worth of Underwear and that jacket I saw him put in...then what? Ya'll don't have the standing your ground law do you?lol

Well, people won't be smuggling food into theaters....

[wrainsberger]

Originally Posted by db10s

Tons of people down here... Usually with a .380 Ruger LCP.... Can't forget the Crimson-Trace laser....

Let me say first that I am pro gun rights. I am an avid shooter as well and own several guns.

Without starting a long debate with the current gun debacle let me refer to a previous comment. Let the staff and management at your local theatre handle all confrontations. Again I have seen too many people come out for a night of enjoyment with family and friends leave in handcuffs heading for the local jail. Many of times this has been at my request to local LEO's.

I can't stress this enough, please. Just a guy who has worked in the industry for over twenty years and has witnessed way too much in that time. IMHO

[chatt_town]

Yes...I agree with you. For all I know that guy could have had 3 movies worth of food in that bag. I wasn't about to throw a tantrum and the manager or the guy at the front let him in. All I really at the end of the day cared about was he had no weapons of mass destruction in there. Since there was no way for me to find that out...it was much easier to go to another movie.lol I'm for peopel being able to own guns as well. Even if I had one on me on Christmas I still would have gotten up and left. I would only use one if someone made me do so. I wouldn't have wanted to sit there and have a shoot out with the guy when i can easily just go on to another movie as I did. I appreciate your insight on this. They really need to change their policies with all the fools and copy cats out here now. If you have to do laundry that day it's probably best you see a movie another day.

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

Let me say first that I am pro gun rights. I am an avid shooter as well and own several guns.

Without starting a long debate with the current gun debacle let me refer to a previous comment. Let the staff and management at your local theatre handle all confrontations. Again I have seen too many people come out for a night of enjoyment with family and friends leave in handcuffs heading for the local jail. Many of times this has been at my request to local LEO's.

I can't stress this enough, please. Just a guy who has worked in the industry for over twenty years and has witnessed way too much in that time. IMHO

[Cindysphinx]

Originally Posted by wrainsberger

You'd be correct on that. Just remember if someone doesn't buy concession items your local theatres will not be there in the future. We survive off of concession sales, not admissions. Hollywood survives and profits considerably from the admissions. This is one of the most misunderstood concepts when people ask me questions about this industry.

I understand the economics of your business. I really do.

Still. You are not seriously expecting me to buy Hot Tamales from you for $4.50 a box when I can get them at the drug store next door for $1 and slide them into my purse, are you?

I think movie theaters have reached the tipping point with the snacks. You are going to have to find a new way to bring in revenue because I'm unwilling to pay it anymore.

And . . . Netflix is making it very hard to decide to take the family to a movie. We have a huge TV in the basement, we can make all the popcorn we want, we can pause or rewind, and we don't have some drooling moron next to us talking or texting the whole time. If we don't like the movie, we can dump it and fire up another one. All for the low, low price of $8.00/mo.

[Bartelby]

You are the one who started talking about the unmentionable and you are still talking about it so all you are against is anything that opposes your viewpoint and you do not support forum rules at any level.

Originally Posted by chatt_town

Thanks warehouse forum leaders.