imported post
AMC Movie Theater Manager Prefers CC vs. OC
Sunday, 9/3/06, 3:16 PM - Purchase ticket while OC'ing.
Make a pitstop before the movie. Put on my fleece jacket so I will not freeze during the movie. (Now in CC mode.)
Proceed towards the theater.
Stopped by a manager and assistant who ask to see my ticket. Manager asks if I am am carrying a firearm. I say yes I am. He says he cannot allow it for the safety of other patrons and asks if I would like to put it in my car. I say that I carry it for my safety in case some psycho in the theater appears and I decline to put it in my car. He again says he cannot allow it. I show my CHP and say look, I have a permit for this. He again states "I cannot allow it." I ask him, where is it posted, no firearms? He robotically repeats he cannot allow it and it is policy. I say your policy or corporate policy? Because if it is not posted, then he is making a personal decision. We proceed to the information desk and I ask for a refund, and his business card because I am going to complain to AMC Headquarters.
It is now 3:22 PM. He says he will get one for me. I wait a few minutes. A security guard appears, but does not approach me. The guard appeared to be watching the food court and was very nonchalant and relaxed, probably since I was nonchalant and relaxed waiting for the manager. The manager reappears a few minutes later and said he had called a regional manager (or something like that) to find out what was the policy for theaters in Virginia since AMC operates in many different states. He said that I could carry my firearm in general, but he could not verify my CHP since he was not familiar with that document, so he still would not allow me to see the movie. I point to the security guard and say, could he verify my CHP for me? He agrees and I show my CHP and drivers license to the security guard, an older burly gentleman who professionally looks at the CHP, and verifies to the manager that it is indeed valid. He also agrees with me that a permit is not needed for open carry. The manager then graciously lets me buy a new ticket at 3:29 PM, and I am able to see my movie.
Before I go to my movie, I shook hands with the manager and told him that I saw this to be a positive educational experience.
I was a bit steamed up to that point, but was still able to work it out so I could see and enjoy my movie.
I know some people will say I should have boycotted the place, but "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" is a really good summer movie, and I think the manager has a better understanding of Virginia's firearms laws.
In fact, I am going to write a thank you letter to AMC saying the manager had some concerns initially, but I believe he took the right course of action calling someone higher up and then letting the security guard verify my CHP. I should also thank Tyson's Corner mall, but I did not get the security guard's name. Note: no police were called.
Not my best, but not my worst OC experience either.
Keep on packing!
