East Texas Movie Theaters Boosting Security, Searching Bags

LONGVIEW — Moviegoers in East Texas could face a longer wait to see their chosen flick on the big screen as theaters ramp up bag-checking security measures. According to the Longview News-Journal, some area movie patrons said this past week that they were not bothered by the measures, which came in response to recent shootings at U.S. theaters. That wasn’t the case recently at Regal Longview Stadium 14, when one patron refused to allow ticket-takers to inspect her bag. She was refused entry and received a refund. Regal has notices posted on its ticket booth and doors informing people that backpacks and bags are subject to inspection before entry.

Employees at Regal and at Carmike 10 in Longview referred any questions about theater security to their corporate headquarters. Attempts to reach those offices Wednesday were unsuccessful. Carmike employees in Longview would not confirm that they are actively checking bags. The theater also has a sign at its ticket booth notifying patrons that backpacks and bags can be inspected before entry, and it has two signs that say weapons are not permitted inside the building. Longview police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said police are not providing security to any area theaters in the wake of recent shootings.

“It doesn’t bother me,” Linda Hurst, 68, of Longview said Wednesday after a Regal employee checked her purse. “I’m always glad to see it; 99 percent of the time nothing will happen, but you never know.” Longview resident Diana Anderson said she thinks area theaters’ response to the violence scare is appropriate. “With all the trouble they’ve had, I don’t have a problem with it,” Anderson, 61, said Wednesday while leaving Carmike 10 in Longview. “And if it’ll keep our people safe, I’m OK with it.”

That thought was echoed by a patron at Regal Longview Stadium 14. “I agree a hundred percent,” William Tillman, 26, of Gilmer said before entering the theater. “I’m tired of hearing about people getting shot up. I’m sure before too long, they’ll have it like an airport where they scan your whole body. You can’t hardly get out anymore.”