Cinemark bans big bag almost six years after Colorado theater shooting

Melissa Perry, like most women, takes a bag everywhere she goes, but that habit will have to change when she goes to a Cinemark theater.

A new policy that goes into effect Thursday, February 22, restricts customers from bringing in bags that measure larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″. The website says it’s to ” enhance the safety and security of our guests and employees.”

This new policy comes nearly six years after James Holmes entered a Century 16 theater, owned by Cinemark and killed 12 people in 2012.

READ MORE: Aurora Theater Shooting Fast Facts and Timeline

Some customers outside Tinseltown, a Cinemark-owned theater in Colorado Springs, are applauding the new rule but say it may not eliminate the problem. Kristyn Graham said, “It’s a good start, but it’s not going to prevent everything.”

Another added benefit for Cinemark is it might prevent some customers from sneaking in their own snacks to their movie.

Randy says, “I’ve snuck snacks into the movie theater,” but later adds he’ll just stick them in his pockets.

For Melissa Perry, she said she’s willing to downsize her handbag for more peace of mind at the movie theater.