Support for LAist comes from
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Stay Connected
Audience-funded nonprofit news
Listen

Share This

KPCC Archive

ArcLight Cinemas to ban props, masks ahead of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

A still from a trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
Hand off that lightsaber before heading to the ArcLight this holiday season.
(
Lucasfilm
)

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today . 

ArcLight Cinemas sent out an email about the theater's safety policies this week, following increased scrutiny of theater safety following attacks in the news in the last several years and a week ahead of a movie predicted to be one of the most popular of all time, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

One of the items specifically mentioned in a Thursday email is that they would not allow props that would be a safety or trip hazard, "including those that are illuminated." So sorry, Star Wars fans — while they weren't mentioned by name, you should probably leave that lightsaber at home.

Here are the items the theater said won't be allowed:

  • Large bags, including backpacks, luggage and large shopping bags
  • Masks
  • Face paint that covers the face
  • Props that would be a safety or fire hazard

The theater also said that all bags that are allowed in would be subject to search. The email also said that the theater has complete discretion when it comes to enforcing these policies.

Support for LAist comes from

"We realize these policies may cause some inconvenience during the holiday season, but we thank you for your patience and understanding," the theater said in its email, adding, "We look forward to seeing you at the movies."

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist