Watch CBS News

Backpacks, Packages Will Now Be Subject To Inspection At Regal Cinemas

NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The Regal Entertainment Group says bags, backpacks and packages will be subject to inspection at Regal Cinemas.

"I understand searching all the bags if you're going to like an airport but in a movie theater? Really?" Rama Nayeri, a ticket buyer, said. "People are still gonna do whatever they're gonna do whether you check bags or not."

The move by the country's largest theater chain comes in the wake of recent theater attacks across the nation.

Earlier this month, a man with a history of mental illness and armed with a pellet gun, pepper spray and hatchet attacked moviegoers in Tennessee, police said.

Two weeks before that, police said a man shot and killed two people and wounded nine others before fatally shooting himself in Louisiana.

The latest attacks came the same month Colorado theater shooter James Holmes was sentenced to life in prison.

In Newport Beach, police say teenagers fired up a leaf-blower during a movie as a prank. Moviegoers thought it was a chainsaw and caused a stampede where several people were injured.

Regal Cinemas acknowledged on its website that, while the move could be inconvenient to some customers, it aims to make customers and staff feel comfortable and safe.

"To ensure the safety of our guests and employees, backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to inspection prior to admission," Regal Entertainment Group said on its website.

"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 company added.

CBS2 reached out to Regal management, who did not return calls for comment.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.