Illustration by Luke Newell; Debate photos courtesy of families; Shutterstock.com (gummy)

Is It OK to Sneak Snacks Into the Movies?

The lights go down as the movie is about to start. Then you see someone pull a taco from her backpack. The three biggest theater chains in the U.S.—AMC, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark—don’t allow outside food. But that doesn’t stop people from bringing their own snacks anyway.

A lot of moviegoers who bring outside food into theaters want to avoid paying the high prices at snack stands. At many theaters, a large popcorn and drink costs about as much as a movie ticket.

But many people point out that some theaters earn about 40 percent of their money from the sale of food and drinks. Sneaking in your own snacks hurts the theater’s business.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

Movie tickets are expensive. Add the cost of snacks, and going to the movies can be unaffordable. When my mom and I watch movies at home, we share a bag of microwave popcorn that costs $1.25. At a theater, popcorn costs $6 or more.  

Plus, many theaters don’t have good snack options for people with allergies or special diets. They should be allowed to bring their own.

It’s best to follow the theater’s rules. You should check with the staff before you bring in your own snacks. Theaters make a lot of their money from the food they sell. If fewer people buy snacks, theaters might raise ticket prices. 

If you want to have snacks but don’t want to buy them, eat before you go to the movies or when you get home.

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