Movie fans looking to enjoy a trip to the cinema are worried about a popular chain’s new policies that let customers use their phones during screenings.
Being on your phone during a movie is a huge no-go at theaters and actively discouraged. No one wants to be distracted by a bright light when you’re trying to watch the latest Marvel film or Oscar nominee.
However, things are set to change at Alamo Drafthouse starting in February, thanks to new rules that will let customers use their phones, but with a catch.
These new policies are designed specifically to order menu items and have them delivered to your seat, but fans are concerned that it’s a recipe for disaster.
Alamo Drafthouse is letting customers use their phones during movies
According to Variety, the Texas-based theater chain is rolling out a mobile ordering system that ditches the long-standing pen-and-paper method used by servers.
Starting in February, Alamo Drafthouse locations will introduce a dark-screen digital ordering feature. Moviegoers can browse the menu, place orders before or during the film, and pay directly from their phones without flagging down staff.
Alamo says the shift is designed to cut down on interruptions, including servers dropping checks during key scenes. The company claims putting ordering in guests’ hands will speed things up and deliver a smoother experience without pulling focus from the screen.
That said, the chain isn’t relaxing its strict no-phone policy. Alamo confirmed that texting and social media are still banned, adding that staff are trained to spot the difference between the dim ordering screen and disruptive phone use. Anyone caught scrolling will still be asked to leave.
“Our custom-built, dark-screen system is designed to minimize distractions,” the chain said, noting how it’s been working well in tests so far. Furthermore, moviegoers can use their phones to request a staff member’s help if they’re in need of assistance.
However, not everyone is onboard with this idea with customers and even employees expressing concerns.
“There’s no practical way in hell Alamo Drafthouse will be able to enforce this,” one said.
“So dumb considering their no phone policy was one of the best parts of the theater,” another chimed in.
TikToker ‘justinlovesmovies’, who said he worked at Alamo Drafthouse for over a year and a half, urged viewers to avoid the mobile ordering system, further warning that there will be less incentive to tip servers this way.
Alamo insists the shift comes with no job cuts attached. While the move changes how hourly theater staff operate, the company says no positions are being eliminated, and base pay will stay exactly the same.
Dopo 50 anni Jensen torna con una nuova coupé