Regal now searching bags of moviegoers; notice posted at local theater

Staff at Regal Cinemas College Station 14 will now search bags carried in by moviegoers.

A notice posted at the ticket window of the theater in downtown Springfield reads: “For the safety and comfort of all our guests: All backpacks and other large containers ARE PROHIBITED within this facility. In addition, all bags, including purses and diaper bags, are SUBJECT TO SEARCH before entry to this facility. Thank you for your cooperation.”

The move appears to extend to all properties owned by Regal Entertainment Group, the nation’s largest movie theater chain, and comes in the wake of recent security incidents within the industry. Authorities in Tennessee said an ax-wielding man attacked a movie theater patron and sprayed others with pepper spray before he was shot by authorities earlier this month. A gunman killed two people in a Lafayette, Louisiana, theater in July before turning the weapon on himself.

Regal recently added a note about the bag inspections to the “admittance procedures” portion of its website.

“Security issues have become a daily part of our lives in America,” the website reads. “Regal Entertainment Group wants our customers and staff to feel comfortable and safe when visiting or working in our theatres. 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.”

Paul Dergarabedian, senior analyst for entertainment research company Rentrak, told USA Today that he doesn’t think the bag inspections will impact Regal’s box office.

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