Different cinemas have different rules (Image: Maskot via Getty Images)
When the weather turns dreadful, one of the finest activities available is a visit to the cinema. Enjoying the newest film releases can be savoured as a family outing, romantic date, or even a solo adventure. And with the colder season nearby, it might be wise to scrap those outdoor plans and make your way to your nearest cinema.
One of the primary factors that might deter people from a cinema visit is the cost of refreshments needed to sustain you during a film. It’s hardly a secret that cinema prices can be exceptionally steep. According to the UK Cinema Association: “All cinemas rely on income from food and drink to make their businesses viable – for all films, only a proportion of box office revenue goes to the cinema itself.
READ MORE: Netflix’s ‘best rom-com in ages’ shoots to top of charts just days after release
READ MORE: I’ve watched 2,000 films — these are the 20 best ever made
“Without this income, the cost of cinema tickets for everyone would need to be higher. This would in turn mean less people were able to afford to go to the cinema in the first place.”
Whilst many of us enjoy smuggling treats into the cinema, others might prefer not to risk it. You may be astonished to discover the policies surrounding bringing your own refreshments to the cinema, as each chain operates different regulations.
Odeon
Odeon stands as Britain’s premier cinema chain, boasting venues throughout the country. They have modernised considerably in recent years and now run several “Odeon Luxe” establishments, where every film showing features reclining seats or beds.
Nevertheless, the regulations concerning refreshments in cinemas remain identical for all Odeon venues, whether they are Odeon Luxe establishments or not.
On its website, Odeon states: “We have a fantastic range of cinema classics like popcorn, hot dogs and our famous nachos available to buy in cinema, but we do allow guests to bring in their own snacks and drinks.”
Cineworld doesn’t allow visitors to bring their own hot food or alcohol (Image: Chaz Bharj via Getty Images)
The cinema chain continues: “We do not allow the following to be brought in from outside the cinema: heated food, pungent food and alcoholic drinks.”
Should you be uncertain about bringing your own refreshments, you can enquire with a staff member at the Odeon you are attending.
Vue
Vue has 92 cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Customers, according to its website, are not allowed to bring in any hot food or any alcohol drinks.
Vue sells popcorn, nachos, milkshakes, and many other snacks and drinks, but if you’d like to bring your own you can. Its website states: “Feel free to bring your own food and drink with you, but leave the hot food and alcohol at home.”
Showcase
Showcase and Showcase Cinema de Lux operate fewer than 20 venues throughout the UK. Within its FAQ section, the cinema chain has addressed whether patrons can bring their own refreshments into the venue.
The Showcase cinema states: “We do not allow guests to bring hot food, alcoholic beverages and drinks in glass containers into our buildings. We reserve the right to refuse admission.”
Cineworld
Cineworld maintains a stringent policy prohibiting externally purchased hot food or alcohol, and they retain the right to deny customers entry into the screens with hot food or alcohol purchased outside the premises.
The cinema states: “We offer a wide range of drinks and snacks for you to enjoy when watching our movies, including cinema favourites such as popcorn, hot dogs and nachos.”
In a separate warning, Cineworld advises patrons against vaping within the venue. They declare: “No, customers are not permitted to smoke or vape on the premises of any Cineworld cinema.
Everyman Cinema has strict rules on bringing outside food (Image: Loop Images, Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“This includes any form of electronic cigarette or other artificial smoking devices. Cineworld reserves the right to require any person or customer found to be in contravention of this rule to leave the premises immediately without any entitlement to a refund.”
Everyman
Everyman venues could be considered a well-kept secret by many. The boutique cinema enforces stringent policies regarding bringing food into screenings. On its website, Everyman declares: “Only food and drinks purchased at the cinema are allowed into our screens.”
The venue confirms it provides refreshments. It states: “Yes, we offer a variety of hot food and snacks, both savoury and sweet, at our fully licensed bars in all venues.”
Every Everyman branch boasts a complete bar and dining menu, accessible in the lounge area or brought directly to your seat during the film.