Q&A for How to Sneak Food Into a Movie Theatre

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What if they check your purse?

Community Answer

Most theatres do not check bags, but if they do they will likely not move things around inside your bag. If you cover your food with other items, you should be fine.

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Question

What is the benefit of sneaking food?

Community Answer

In most cases you will save money. Movie theatres often charge much more than the grocery store for the same item.

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Question

Is this breaking the law?

Community Answer

While not against federal law, it is against most movie theater policies to bring in outside food. While you won't get arrested, you may be asked to leave the theater.

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Question

Why can't I bring food into the movie theater?

Community Answer

They want you to buy the food they have, so that you spend more money. My mom always brings snacks in her purse to the dollar theater. They never check bags there.

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Question

What if a movie theater lets people bring in outside food?

Sophie Taylor

Community Answer

Then you don't need to go to all this trouble, since it's not against the rules.

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Question

Can you hide food in you private areas?

Community Answer

You may be able to hide some food items this way, however, you might not want to eat them afterwards. You would also likely need to go to the washroom in order to retrieve your food, which could be difficult.

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Question

What if im asked to show my receipt and I brought outside food?

Community Answer

They're not going to ask to see a receipt. 90% of people who purchase food at a concession stand do not take a receipt if it's offered to them. Just hide the food in your bag or pocket and you'll be fine.

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Question

What if they smell the food in my bag or something, do I have to lie?

Community Answer

If they smell the food, either say you just ate at a place that fits the smell, or apologize and hand over the food.

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Question

How would I sneak food into an event where they check bags?

Community Answer

Hide the food on your actual person, like in your pockets.

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Question

What kind of snacks should I bring that don't melt like chocolate?

HELPER18

Community Answer

Chewy candy, gummies, nuts, dried fruits, gum, licorice, and others will be great.

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Question

What happens when you get caught? Will they kick you out?

Community Answer

If you get caught, don't sweat it; simply apologize and hand over all of your food. They may let you stay. Some theaters kick you out, and some even call the police, so be careful.

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Question

What do I do if the employees smell food in my bag?

Community Answer

Make sure not to have food with a very powerful scent. Also, make sure your food is thoroughly wrapped and sealed in something like a Ziploc bag to prevent smells from escaping. If they know you are trying to bring food into the theater, they may make you throw it away or ask you to leave.

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Question

What do I do if they call the cops?

Community Answer

They will not call the cops unless you get belligerent when you are caught. It's not illegal to sneak food into a movie theater, it's just against policy. The worst thing that could happen is you get kicked out of the theater and/or banned from returning.

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Question

Are cinema employees legally allowed to check my bag?

Community Answer

I am not completely positive, but I do not think they are. They might be able to tell you to open your bag, but I am not sure if they are able to go through it. I'm not sure, but it might depend on the establishment.

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Question

Why do people bring food to the movies?

Community Answer

Some people don't want to pay outrageous amounts of money for food at the movie theatre, so they'd prefer to buy cheaper food somewhere else and just bring it in.

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Question

What should I do if the food they sell at the movies is too expensive?

Community Answer

You can try sneaking in your own food! Be sure to be discreet about it.

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Question

What do I do if I have no pockets or bags on me?

Community Answer

You will likely not be able to sneak food in if this is the case.

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Question

Is it okay to sneak food into the movies?

KristenThePusheen

Community Answer

It is not against the law, but it is against the theater policies. You wont get arrested for doing it, but you may be removed from the theater, so just be careful.

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Question

Can I put small snacks in my hair?

Community Answer

You could, but there is a risk of it falling out and being seen. Also, you might get hair in your snacks.

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Question

What if they check my bag and my person?

Julia Pearse

Community Answer

They will not do that. They are not licensed to look through your bag.

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Question

I got caught twice in two weeks, and they banned me from returning. Does that mean I can never come back, or should I try again in a few years?

Community Answer

You could try coming back in 6 months and see how it goes. If they kick you out, wait another 6 months and try again. If there's another theater nearby, you can go there in the meantime (I don't recommend trying to sneak food into it, though).

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Question

What if they check my body, like through a body scanner? What about checking my bag?

Community Answer

Theater employees have no right to search your personal possessions; if they try to bully you into doing so, point out that this is unlawful search and seizure as well as a violation of your privacy, and ask to speak to management. However, no theater is going to go to the expense of installing a body scanner simply to ensure people aren't sneaking in snacks (and most theater workers don't care if you do).

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Question

Can you get arrested for sneaking outside food into a movie theater?

Torpi

Top Answerer

You won't be arrested, but you can be made to throw out your food or you may even be kicked out of the cinema, and security might be the ones to do it if you don't go quietly.

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Question

Is it okay to open a soda can or eat loud foods when there are loud scenes playing?

Isxc

Community Answer

Yes, but try your best to keep it quiet. And if you eat chips, they tend to be loud, so only eat 1-2 at a time. Aim to eat during loud scenes.

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Question

Is bringing food or candy to the movies breaking the law?

Tuckeriscute

Community Answer

It is not against the law to bring snacks into a theater. You might be asked to leave, but you will not be in trouble with the police if you get caught.

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Question

What will happen if management catches you sneaking in with candy?

Community Answer

You might be asked to leave the theater.

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