Legal Question in Consumer Law in Georgia

Hi,

I'm not at all certain that my question has anything to do with consumer law, but I wasn't sure which area of law might apply to my situation. I went to a movie today at our local Carmike Wynnsong theater. I bought my ticket, my Coke, and my popcorn, then when I got to the ticket taker, she told my friend and me that we would have to let her check the contents of our purses. She said that a lot of people were sneaking in snacks that were not purchased at the theater, and doing that was not allowed. Is it legal for the theater management to require their employees to search women's purses? Fortunately we were not guilty, but what could they have done to us had they found candy in our purses? Since men don't usually carry purses, could the theater employees pat them down looking for candy in their pants or shirt pockets? That seems like an invasion of privacy to me. Thanks for your upcoming reply.


Asked on 8/31/10, 7:24 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

You did not have to show them anything --- and they did not have to let you in. If you don't like the rules of the theater, or want privacy, watch a movie at home or go to another theater.

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Answered on 9/05/10, 7:37 pm
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

They have a right to make their own rules, and if you don't like those rules, refuise to go there.

If you want to have some impact, write a polite letter about your experience to their CEO (use Google and you'll find it). Let them know you plan to go to competitors unless they change their policy. If enough people do that they will either go bankrupt or change. If they don't agree with you, they have plenty of competition you should patronize.

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Answered on 9/05/10, 8:36 pm


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