Regal Cinemas Will Check Moviegoers’ Bags in Wake of Theater Shootings
The Regal Entertainment Group, the nation’s largest movie theater chain, has begun checking moviegoers’ bags and purses before allowing them inside to watch the film.
“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 chain said in a statement, after rolling out the policy this week.
“To ensure the safety of our guests and employees, backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to inspection prior to admission,” it continued. “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.”
The Regal Entertainment Group, based in Knoxville, Tenn., is the first national cinema chain to announce that backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to inspection before being allowed inside. A National Association of Theaters Owners spokesman contacted by TheWrap said Wednesday that the lobbying group would have no statement on theater security issues.
Regal began instituting the policy this week in some of the 569 theaters it operates, which have 7,318 screens. With Regal Cinemas, and the Edwards and United Artists chains under its aegis, REG has theaters in nearly every state.
Two recent incidents have brought movie safety issues back into the spotlight. In July, a gunman killed himself after killing two at a movie theater in Lafayette, La., And earlier this month, in Nashville, Tenn., a man was shot and killed after he attacked moviegoers with pepper spray and a hatchet.
Last week, James Holmes, was sentenced to life in prison. for his 2012 shooting rampage in Aurora, Colo., in which 12 people were killed and another 70 injured.
