Movie Theater Chain May Check Customers' Bags, Backpacks

A national movie theater chain has started to check customers’ bags and backpacks after attacks at theaters this summer, published reports say.

According to a post on Regal Entertainment Group’s website:

“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 theaters. 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.”

The Associated Press reports that it is not clear when the policy was implemented, but several television stations reported that customers in Texas, Virginia, Ohio and Florida noticed the change earlier this month.

A spokesman for the movie theater chain, based in Tennessee, did not return the Associated Press’ calls for comment on Wednesday.

Regal is the largest theater chain in the country, but neither of the attacks this summer happened in a Regal theater, according to Mashable.

Earlier this month, a man pepper-sprayed movie goers and injured one with a hatchet at a theater in Tennessee. He also had a pellet gun, and he was fatally shot by police when he drew the gun on them.

In July, two people were killed and nine others were injured when a man opened fire at a theater in Louisiana.

The nearest Regal is the Hamilton Commons Stadium 14 in Mays Landing.

Story credited to Patch writer, Michelle Sahn.

Patch file photo: Regal Theater in Moorestown