Cinemas are notoriously pricey, particularly in regards to beverages and nibbles – so what are the rules around bringing in your own food and drinks at UK cinema chains?
For years, smuggling food and drink into movie theaters was considered a crime, but this urban legend has been repeatedly debunked. Food is a huge source of income for them, so ideally, movie theaters would prefer you to spend your money on them. , however, in recent years, chains have blatantly demonstrated that they are allowed to bring food and beverages. However, even if this is the case, there are some regulations that should be followed.
We’ve rounded up all the UK cinema chain food and drink regulations here for the next time you’re in the mood for a movie.
Vue has 92 screens across the UK and Ireland and does not allow visitors to bring in hot food or alcoholic beverages from outside the cinema. The cinema chain’s website reads: “If spectators wish, they can bring their own cold snacks and comfortable drinks. “This means you’ll be able to pack bloodless snacks like chips, candy, and sandwiches when you stop by to see your movie.
Odeon, which has 280 screens across Europe, also allows you to bring your own music when you stop by to see a movie. However, the movie theater chain claims that it does not allow hot food, alcoholic beverages, or “spicy” food to enter. from the open-air cinema. If you’re not sure if your drinks and snacks fall into any of those categories, Odean recommends asking a staff member at your local location.
The chain states on its site that its Odeon Islington Luxe site
Showcase is a smaller chain and has just 16 cinemas in the UK and the rules at this chain are pretty similar to others. According to its website, Showcase says it does not allow customers to bring “hot food, alcoholic beverages and drinks in glass containers” into its cinemas. The chain says it “reserves” the right to refuse admission if people are found to be bringing in prohibited snacks.
According to its website, Cineworld has a “strict” policy that prohibits hot food and alcohol. The movie theater chain says it has the right to “deny access to consumers” if hot food or alcohol is purchased outdoors. Cineworld says all of its theaters demonstrate “mandatory signage to inform consumers about this policy. “The cinema chain has around 128 locations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, operating under the Cineworld and Picturehouse brands.
The Everyman cinema chain, which has around 40 establishments throughout the United Kingdom, differs from the others because it absolutely prohibits consumers from bringing their own snacks to cinemas. According to its website, the channel says: “Please note that drinks and food purchased at the cinema may be projected on the screen. “
The chain says it sells a “variety” of hot and cold, savory and sweet snacks at our fully licensed bars across all of its locations. Food sold at Everyman includes burgers, hot dogs and pizza, as well as tempura shrimp sharing plates. squid with salt and pepper and baked camembert. It also sells sweets like cakes, ice cream, cookie dough and smoothies.
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