Going to the movie theater is going to become an even bigger hassle soon, since Regal Cinemas quietly announced this week that it bags and backpacks could be searched before entering the theaters. The move from the nation’s largest theater chain comes after two recent incidents in theaters and three years after the deadly shooting at an Aurora, Colorado theater.
Regal added a new section to its admittance procedures that tells audiences that their bags and backpacks could be searched when they buy tickets. Although this could be an inconvenience to some moviegoers, the company hopes the increased security will make everyone feel safe.
“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,” the statement reads. “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.”
Regal Entertainment Group operates around 7,300 screens in the U.S.
Paul Dergarabedian, a senior analyst at Rentrak, told USA Today that he doesn’t think the move will impact box office results, since we’ve already become accustomed to security measures in other aspects of our lives.
“Regal has decided to make a concerted effort to show their patrons that they’re aware of security issues,” Dergarabedian added.
In July, a man killed two women and injured nine others when he opened fire on a theater in Lafayette, Louisiana. Then on Aug. 5, a man brought a hatchet and pepper spray into a Nashville area theater and was killed by police. And in 2012, James Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 at an Aurora, Colorado theater.
Universal also reportedly offered to pay theaters to increase security at Straight Outta Compton screenings over the weekend, but there were no major incidents reported.
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