Should bags be searched before entering movie theaters?
As of August, 600 Regal Cinemas locations nationwide will inspect bags and purses to check for weapons. Will this ten second bag check reduce dangerous attacks?
Regal Cinemas thinks it's worth a try to enforce this policy.
The full policy on the Regal Entertainment Group website reads:
Backpacks Packages/Bags: 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. 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.
At first, I thought this security check could be great idea since I am paying like $12 to enjoy a movie in a barely lit theater room with strangers focusing on the movie. At first, sure it may be inconvenient, but honestly the check is just a glance in the bag. A ten second glance in everyone's bag could make a difference when it comes to our safety.
Also, the staff should definitely be trained to do this since they're allowed to glance inside my purse, aka my privacy. They should be trained to search everyone's bag for a weapon or a threat to safety. Also, what if there is a legitimate weapon in there? If so, the staff member must act appropriately to this potentially dangerous situation.
Personally, when I go to the movies, I don't really want the movie theaters staff to find out that I have candy from Target inside my bag, but can they blame us for not wanting to pay $6 for a small bag of candy that a convenient store has for $2? This bag check could hurt sales ("If they're going to look inside my purse/bag, I'm not going because that's my privacy!") or help sales("If they're going to look inside my purse/bag, I'll have to buy their pricey candy there.") Sure sales are important, but safety is definitely most important. 
Will I stop going to the movies if bags will be checked? I'll very likely still go since they're trying to end dangerous encounters. 
Do you think your bag should be checked? Please tell me by commenting below!
