In Fort Myers, Florida, a local Regal Cinema made headlines when two new mothers were asked to leave a screening of the film “Bad Moms” due to their infants. This incident quickly sparked discussions about parenting rights and theater policies.
The Excitement Turns Sour
Moms Lisa Thompson and Sarah Rodriguez were excitedly heading to the movie with their group of friends, which consisted of around 50 women, most of whom had purchased tickets in advance. The atmosphere was buzzing online with anticipation for the film, as they shared their enthusiasm in a Facebook group. Unfortunately, upon arriving to pick up their pre-ordered tickets, they were informed that infants were not allowed in the theater.
“No one had mentioned that children under 6 were not permitted in R-rated movies,” said group member Tara Mitchell in an interview. “We had a breastfeeding mother with a 3-week-old and another with a 6-month-old, and they were turned away.” The theater suggested they watch a different movie, but the alternative, “Finding Dory,” had already started an hour prior.
Theater Policies and Confusion
While “Bad Moms” is indeed rated R, Regal Cinemas typically allows children ages 6 to 17 to attend such films if accompanied by a parent or guardian, and infants are usually welcome as long as the movie starts before 6 p.m. The screening in question was at 7:45 p.m., which led to the confusion.
Thompson expressed disappointment over the lack of flexibility regarding very young infants. “I understand they have rules, but I think there should be some common sense applied when it comes to babies. They sleep and are often quiet. We are prepared to leave if they make any noise,” she remarked.
Attempts to Negotiate
After being turned away, the two moms attempted to sneak into the screening once their babies were asleep, only to be caught by the theater manager who subsequently asked them to leave. “I felt so anxious about the outing and then to be treated like a criminal for bringing my baby was humiliating,” Thompson shared.
The group tried to negotiate with the manager, even offering to sit in the aisle to ensure they wouldn’t disturb others, but their requests were dismissed. Furthermore, it was reported that the manager insisted that Rodriguez cover up while breastfeeding, despite breastfeeding being legal in Florida without a cover.
A Change of Plans
Frustrated and saddened by the treatment, the group ultimately decided to leave the theater and head to a local Mexican restaurant instead, where they could enjoy their time together without further incident. The incident shed light on the challenges many breastfeeding mothers face in public spaces and sparked conversations about the need for more accommodating policies in venues like cinemas.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the incident at Regal Cinema highlights the ongoing challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers in public spaces. The mothers involved were turned away from an R-rated film due to their infants, despite the theater’s own policies allowing young children under certain circumstances. The situation underscores the need for more understanding and flexibility regarding family-friendly policies in entertainment venues.