After several deadly shootings at U.S. movie theaters, the nation's largest movie theater chain is increasing security.
Signs that warn customers that their backpacks and bags of any kind are subject to a search are now posted outside Regal Cinemas at New Roc City in New Rochelle. Regal Entertainment Group owns Regal Cinemas.
"It makes sense," moviegover Steven Canty says of the bag checks. "Makes a lot of sense."
Not everyone agrees with the policy. "It's an invasion of privacy," says moviegoer Kevin Li. "We have constitutional rights. The Fourth Amendment protects us against unreasonable searches and seizures."
A statement on the company's website reads, "We acknowledge that this procedure can cause some inconvenience and that it is not without flaws, but hope these are minor in comparison to increased safety."
It is unclear when the policy began, but TV stations have reported that customers started noticing the change in Texas, Virginia, Florida and Ohio earlier this month.