Cinemark Looks to Tighten Security with Bag Ban

Cinemark Looks to Tighten Security with Bag Ban

Cinemark has banned all large bags from their auditoriums.

In a move to boost the security and safety of moviegoers, Cinemark has banned large bags and backpacks from its theaters nationwide.

The move was highly criticized as one to keep patrons from bringing in outside candy and popcorn, but the company says the new policy will "enhance the safety and security of our guests and employees."

The new policy goes into effect on Feb. 22, at all Cinemark locations in the United States, any bag bigger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches will not be allowed in the auditoriums. There will, however, be an exception for medial-equipment or diaper bags. Cinemark says they will not provide lockers or check-in areas for bags that are too large to be taken inside.

The popular movie theatre also noted that they "reserve the right to inspect all bags and packages entering the theatre."

Cinemark's policy change comes after incidents like the mass shooting in an Aurora, Colo. in 2012 that killed 12 people, the attack on The Voice star Christina Grimmie where she was shot and killed backstage after one of her concerts and the school shooting in Parkland, Fla. where 17 people were killed.

Cinemark isn't the only venue to boost security in this way. Over the past few years sports arenas, concert venues and university arenas have asked their patrons to do away with large bags and opt for clear totes that allow security personnel to view what they are carrying inside.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.