Regal theaters may search bags at the door

You already submit your bags for a security check at airports, sports arenas, amusement parks and museums. Now, in the wake of recent theater shootings, you may have to get checked before entering your local multiplex.

Regal Entertainment Group, the nation's largest movie-theater chain, with about 7,300 screens across America, has quietly added a new security warning to its website, acknowledging the potential inconvenience for moviegoers.

"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," the site says. "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."

Movie lovers may not be that bothered, says Paul Dergarabedian, senior analyst for entertainment research company Rentrak.

"Moviegoers have become so accustomed to having these types of security measures enacted in all kinds of public spaces, from theme parks to sports venues and rock concerts,” says Dergarabedian.  “Regal has decided to make a concerted effort to show their patrons that they’re aware of security issues.”

He adds that he doesn’t think increased security will impact the box office “at all.”

"I don’t think anyone is going to stay away from a movie theater because of increased security measures. If anything, they’re going to appreciate it."

It's not clear when Regal added the security change, but it seems to have happened after a gunman killed two moviegoers in a theater in Lafayette, La., last month. Earlier this month in Nashville, a man attacked theatergoers with pepper spray and a hatchet; the attacker was shot and killed by police. In 2012, a gunman killed 12 people and injured 70 in a shooting in an Aurora, Colo., theater.

Patrick Corcoran, head of media relations for the National Association of Theatre Owners, said, “NATO does not comment on security policies.”

Jeff Bock, box office analyst for theater-industry research firm Exhibitor Relations, predicted the policy will lower the anxiety of theatergoers but could pose other problems.

"Implementing this is probably a good idea," he said. "But it seems undercooked. How is this going to work? The protocol needs to be defined. Exactly what are they doing and what kind of training are you giving to employees?

"It’s a pretty big thing to ask for 16-year-old employees to search through bags for possible firearms. This kind of changes the duties of a theater employee from making popcorn and sweeping floors to basically being a low-rent security guard. Maybe this falls to the manager of the theater to search ... We now have to deal with the consequences of what if they find something in the bag.

"Obviously, all the people who sneak in Subway sandwiches are going to be mortified," Bock added. "Maybe that’s the Regal ulterior motive. Stopping illegal Milk Duds from getting into theaters."

WBIR-TV in Knoxville, where Regal is based, reported that signs have turned up outside Regal theaters quoting the policy and alerting moviegoers to the possibility their bags will be checked.

Regal officials didn't comment to the TV station or to USA TODAY, so it's unclear when the policy changed. But moviegoers posting on the WBIR Facebook page said their purses were searched in the last few weeks.

KTRK in Houston reported an employee of the ABC station noticed the change Saturday when she went to a movie at a local Regal theater. Her purse was searched after she handed her tickets to a theater employee upon entry.

Signs about the new policy were posted Wednesday night at Regal Cinemas Gallery Place 14 in Washington, where all customers observed were asked to open their bags for a light check. An armed security guard stood nearby.

Washington resident Manny Geraldo, 30, said his athletic bag was searched as he entered the theater, but it didn't bother him. "If it can prevent an attack from happening, it's a minor inconvenience for me," he said.

For Keyshia Smith, however, having her bag searched was a surprise that she didn't appreciate.

"I feel like it's an invasion of my privacy," the 23-year-old Washington resident said. "But I guess with times like these, you have to do that now."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, Andrea Mandell and Tyler Pager