Cinemark Movie Theaters Crack Down On Sneaky Snackers

PALOS VERDES, CA – Cinemark movie theaters announced that bags or packages larger than 12x12x6 inches will not be permitted inside theaters, beginning Thursday, Feb. 22. The policy was posted to the company’s website, and does does allow exceptions for medical equipment bags and diaper bags, according to the Daily Breeze. Cinemark claims it took the step to “enhance the safety and security of guests and employees.” The movie theater chain added that it won't provide a place to store bags and reserves the right to inspect all bags and packages.

However, some on social media are suggesting it has more to do with sneaky snackers, so movie watchers who are keen on using a purse to sneak their snacks into the movie theater chain will have to get more creative.

"Maybe if Cinemark sold snacks and popcorn at a reasonable price we wouldn't have to sneak food in," said Twitter user Jade Burnam. "It makes no sense that a small popcorn and drink cost $10."

Since large purses are no longer allowed, here are some alternative ways to sneak food into movie theaters so you can continue to snack sneakily (and cheaply):

• An oversized coat: cross your arms while holding your snacks under your jacket. Act casual.
• A tall hat: think Abe Lincoln. (Tip: practice your balance before attempting this maneuver)
• A small purse: just stuff your snacks in there. Sure, it won't look pretty when you pull them back out, but it'll be dark in the movie theater anyways.
• Tape them to your body under a large sweatshirt: this one takes some bravery, because once you sneak your snacks in, the tape gets ripped off. Proceed with caution.
• Wear sweats with deep pockets: when they ask why your pockets look so heavy, tell them you pay for everything in change.

Cinemark is headquartered in Plano, Texas and has 533 theaters with 5,957 screens across the United States and Latin America, according to its website. It's the third largest movie theater chain in the U.S., according to Daily Breeze.

Here are the 21 Southern California locations listed on Cinemark’s website:

Century Stadium 25 and XD (in Orange)
Century Huntington Beach and XD
Cinemark Downey and XD
Cinemark At The Pike Outlets and XD (in Long Beach)
Cinemark Movies 8 (in Chino)
Cinemark Carson & XD
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza 15 and XD
Cinemark 18 & XD (in Los Angeles)
Cinemark Playa Vista and XD
Cinemark North Hollywood
Cinemark 16 Victorville and XD
Cinemark Movies 10 (in Victorville)
Cinemark Antelope Valley Mall
Cinemark Jess Ranch (in Apple Valley)
Cinemark Movies 12 (in Lancaster)
Cinemark 22 and IMAX (in Lancaster)
Century RiverPark 16 and XD (in Oxnard)
Century @ The River and XD (in Rancho Mirage)
Century 10 Downtown (in Ventura)
Century La Quinta and XD
Cinemark Imperial Valley Mall 14

Image via Jagcz/Shutterstock