Outside Food into a Movie Theater is Illegal? Legal Exclusive
The food at movie theaters can get expensive. You may decide you would rather bring your own. But is it illegal to bring outside food into a movie theater?
This video shows a man strapping food onto his chest and hiding it inside his jacket. He makes it past the ushers and into the theater. He happily munches away at his food.
The man got away scot-free sneaking outside food into a movie theater. But not everyone can be so lucky.
Is It Illegal to Bring Outside Food into a Movie Theater?
No, bringing outside food into a movie theater is technically not illegal. However, bringing in outside food in most theaters is against their policies. Therefore, you can get thrown out or even banned for this activity.
Furthermore, if you are asked to leave the movie theater for sneaking in food and you refuse to do so, you will be trespassing. Trespassing is against the law, and it can get you arrested.
Private Companies vs. Public Law
Law enforcement cannot uphold rules regarding bringing outside food into a movie theater because they were made by a private company. They are not government laws.
You may consider similar laws like the ‘no shoes, no service’ rules. Or even the mask rules that were controversial during the COVID pandemic (apart from mask mandates.) Stores can refuse service to people who don’t follow their guidelines. However, these rules could not be upheld by law enforcement.
Furthermore, some customers could turn it around on businesses and say these companies are infringing on their civil rights.
Exceptions to the Rule
Most people understand that it is against company policy to bring outside food into a movie theater. But a woman (@t.renns) on TikTok went viral after sharing information on how to sneak in outside food and beverages and get away with it.
“We legally can’t stop you from bringing food into the movie theater. If you just say ‘I have to eat, there’s literally nothing we can do,” the woman said in the 2021 video that racked up over a million views.
The woman who posted the video worked at an AMC theater. However, an AMC representative responded to the video referring to the company’s code of conduct.
“AMC’s ‘no outside food and drink’ policy is enforced at every AMC location. That policy is printed on our Code of Conduct which is on display at all AMC locations and can be found on the AMC Theaters’ website in the FAQ section,” the representative said.
Another TikTok video posted by “Law By Mike” explains that movies cannot deny your right to bring in bottled water because “it’s a necessity and can lead to health complications”.
Additionally, if you have diabetes, allergies, and high blood pressure, you may have specific dietary needs. If you tell the theater you have health conditions, they may be unable to prohibit you from bringing in outside food.
Should You Bring Outside Food into a Movie Theater?
Even though you can’t get arrested for bringing outside food into a movie theater, that doesn’t mean you should do it. You may get into a fight with the staff. You may get kicked out or banned.
Furthermore, movie theaters make a good portion of their money off concessions. Many are struggling after the pandemic. If you bring food in, you are diminishing their profits.
Other Movie Theater Rules to Obey
Bringing outside food into a movie theater is against the rules. Here are some other guidelines to be aware of.
- Stay quiet during the movie
- Silence your phones during the move
- Clean up after yourself before you leave the movie- don’t leave trash on the seats or in the aisles
If you break these rules you won’t be arrested. But you can be banned or thrown out. It’s best to be considerate of the theater and your fellow guests.