Comments on: WWYD: Bring Your Own Food

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:30:06 +0000

When the shiny, new local 16-plex opened up in my town, the supermarket in the same shopping center began setting up end-caps with signs saying, "Don't forget your movie candy!" in spite of the signs posted at the theatre that outside food and drink were prohibited. And I do find the concessions prices, when contrasted with the low wages of the workers, reprehensible. When the cost of the popcorn and two beverages for my partner and myself will pay the wage of the person selling it to us for the next two hours, something is definitely wacky. That being said, I do follow the rules and don't sneak things in. The theatres on the military bases when I was growing up rarely had concessions, so it was encouraged to bring outside food and drink. I kind of miss that stripped-down experience. Crappy seating, but everyone was very respectful of everyone else as an audience member, which was odd, considering the number of kids usually in the audience.

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By: ~Dawn

~Dawn — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 17:10:04 +0000

Goodness Melly- What movie or rather, theater did you go to in philly?

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By: Melly

Melly — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:37:14 +0000

I once was on an after dinner date at a movie theatre in Philly...and the woman at the entrance wouldn't let me in with my doggy bag! I tried to explain that, no, I wouldn't be eating my pasta with my hands, but she was adamant. I snuck it in anyway. I'm really glad I didn't throw it out, as the theatre was terrible, with people screaming and threatening to beat each other up. We ended up leaving before the picture was over because it was a bit scary.

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By: ~Dawn

~Dawn — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 01:29:37 +0000

Gary Convenience fee is a good way to put it.

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By: Gary Petersen

Gary Petersen — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 01:09:59 +0000

Years ago, my mom would sneak-in popcorn from home in her purse. One time the theatre asked to inspect her purse and saw the contraband. They didn't make her leave, but she had to give them her purse until the movie was over. I don't think she sneaks popcorn in anymore (she probably switched to candy, which is more easily hidden!). I think my rule is, the customer is always right! The posted signs prohibiting outside food probably help to boost sales because some people hate to break rules. So, the theater "wins" some of the time, and they accept the fact that some percentage of customers will cheat. Does that make the cheating okay? Maybe not, but it's really about economics (supply and demand and all that). It's probably a stretch to think that employees are not getting raises (or hired) because there are too many evil candy/popcorn cheaters. I rarely sneak anything in, but I'm not really against it, given the outrageous prices. It amounts to a "convenience" fee if I buy their stuff instead of bringing my own.

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By: Nina

Nina — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:54:51 +0000

I once dated a woman who used to sneak in a bottle of wine... we dated a long time and I did this often with her. I think she finally made it to 12-Step so it's likely she's not doing that these days. I've never done it since... besides even then it just seemed so low-brow. But I'm guilty about bringing in bottled water. We fork over the money for popcorn.

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By: ~dawn

~dawn — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:39:31 +0000

Yes, I know I could watch Movies at home and we do, but there is nothing quite like the giant screen and reacting with a multitude of people. Great to hear all of your thoughts on this, keep 'em coming. I had a guy just email me and say he just grabs a soda drink and popcorn bag out of the trash and gets free refills - That to me, is stealing. Also who wants another person's germs

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By: Pam

Pam — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:14:35 +0000

You hit a nerve with that post! Not only do I bristle at what it costs to get into a movie these days.....the cost of snacks just about sends me over the edge!!!! Bring the cost down to reasonableness and I won't sneak my water and pretzel in. And bring the cost of admission down and I'll go to lots more movies. Pam

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By: James

James — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:23:22 +0000

Hi All, I tend to try to follow the rules where possible. So, yes sneaking food into the theater is a no no. That said, often you can sign up for promotional offers or frequent movie watcher programs. Sometimes they'll give you a free soda or popcorn. That helps to take some of the edge off the silly food rules. In terms of a final thought, I agree with some of the other commenters, if one really wanted to save money, one could rent a video and stay at home! Its probably cheeper and better for you! Best, James

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By: Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:40:29 +0000

Great post! I see a different between something being legally/formally wrong, and what Kristin and Paula write about something that is morally wrong. Yes, agree with DivaJean, it's clearly breaking the "rules". But I don't agree with the "rules" in this case. I don't think it rises to the level of Martin Luther King's civil disobedience, but I willfully break the rules in this case because I think it's highway robbery. If they charge those kinds of artificially inflated prices, I will "act up" and bring my own food. If I'm "discovered" they are welcome to throw me out. (I would never return.) To be honest, though, I agree with Paula that it's easier, cozier, and MUCH cheaper to stay home with Netflix and microwave some popcorn, for a grand total of about $3 per movie.

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