Can cinemas STOP you taking food in???

BhamSim

I live in Birmingham and for the last two years i've had a 'loyalty' card with Cineworld aka UGC. I pay £11 a month for unlimited cinema use, however, just recently i was informed that i could no longer take my bags in. I mean literally, nothing other than my handbag, which of course would be checked. I was informed that NEW MANAGEMENT has made a rule that NO FOOD OR DRINK, NO MATER HOW SMALL CAN BE TAKEN IN, no shopping bags (this cinema is in in the city centre), no cases, buggies etc. I was furious and haven't been in a month.

I mean really, can they say you can't bring in anything- plus if you have bags you have to leave it in an UNSECURED holding room, with no ticket system or security.

Somebody has to know if that's actually allowed!!!!

Would love feedback etc

Cheers.

lemontart

is there a notice up to this effect or have they sent out something in writing to members etc.

I always bring my own drink to pics as I feel they are total rip off merchants on the charges for their refreshments.

Liz
xxx

Rachie_B

?! OMG

to be honest i wouldnt use the local cinema if we werent allowed to bring our own food / drinks its soooooooooo expensive!!!

we always bring our own food in,and sometimes shopping bags as its part of the designer outlet its an Odeon cinema

elona

I do not believe they are allowed to check your bags or force you to leave your property in an unsafe place.
They may well think that they can do this but I doubt if it is legal.

slinks

BhamSim wrote: »

I live in Birmingham and for the last two years i've had a 'loyalty' card with Cineworld aka UGC. I pay £11 a month for unlimited cinema use, however, just recently i was informed that i could no longer take my bags in. I mean literally, nothing other than my handbag, which of course would be checked. I was informed that NEW MANAGEMENT has made a rule that NO FOOD OR DRINK, NO MATER HOW SMALL CAN BE TAKEN IN, no shopping bags (this cinema is in in the city centre), no cases, buggies etc. I was furious and haven't been in a month.

I mean really, can they say you can't bring in anything- plus if you have bags you have to leave it in an UNSECURED holding room, with no ticket system or security.

Somebody has to know if that's actually allowed!!!!

Would love feedback etc

Cheers.

did they say they will check coats and jackets too?

i've checked the cineworld website and there's isn't anything about this on there, so i guess each cinema has their own rules. however, i would check with cineworld just in case as it seems very unreasonable...

try here: customer.services@cineworld.co.uk

reehsetin

private property so they can stop whoever they want, plus places usually have signs we reserve the right to do what we want, the thing that is a bit iffy is checking the bags

abarthman

Whilst they probably can insist on no bags or bag checks before you enter the cinema, if this rule has been introduced since you entered into your 12 month Unlimited Cinema contract with them, you should be entitled to end the contract and get a refund.

victory

Our cinema says the same but I have always really wanted them to actually check my bags as I am diabetic and take food in just incase:j

jinkssick

i have been shocked at the prices of refreshments and popcorn in cinemas here, even in colombia the entrance is £1 but popcorn with drink £3.

I always sneak it in, they might have a right to look into the bag but not move anything or touch anything inside.

Skint_Catt

Vote with your feet - go elsewhere and cancel your card. I awlays take cheaper sweets in though OH has started wanting WATER when we get there - HOW much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catt xx

rdwarr

Anything that stops people eating in cinemas has got to be good news. The first hour of every film is silenced by incessant munching of popcorn and crisps (yes, they even take crisps in now) accompanied by the sound of slurping a near-empty bucket of Coke through an oversized straw.

What happened to the hot dog before you went in ("an hour from now you'll wish you'd had one") (price 1/6) and the tub of vanilla ice-cream (10d) and carton of Kia-Ora (9d) during the interval?