Snack Smugglers Beware: Regal Theaters Implements Bag Checks

At the airport, amusement parks, major sporting events and most recently, at movie theaters. All of these places now routinely search your belongings in the name of safety.

The largest movie theater company in the country, Regal Entertainment Group, recently updated its safety procedures following violence at movie theaters in Louisiana and Tennessee. (Video via CNN)

The company's website says: "Security issues have become a daily part of our lives in America. ... To ensure the safety of our guests and employees, backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to inspection prior to admission."

"People have been sharing signs like this one outside of theaters. And it reads these are 'for the safety and comfort of all of our guests,'" Tamron Hall reports for NBC.

Box office analyst Jeff Bock was skeptical of the change. He told USA Today, "It’s a pretty big thing to ask for 16-year-old employees to search through bags for possible firearms." 

One moviegoer tweeted: "No, you may not search my bag at the movie theater for a gun. You will discover my Jack in the Box tacos. (May or may not have done this)."

Regal hasn't said when the change will roll out nationwide or who will be conducting the searches. Other big name movie theaters haven't announced if or when they will follow suit. 

This video includes images from Getty Images.