Business & Tech

AMC Theatres Ban Masks, Fake Weapons

AMC will not allow masks or fake weapons in its theaters following the massacre in Colorado. AMC has two theaters in Lawrenceville, GA. Regal Entertainment Group issues statement regarding security. Regal has a theater in the Duluth/Johns Creek area.

The corporate headquarters of Duluth area movie theaters are reacting to the Friday (July 20) shooting massacre at a movie theatre in Aurora, CO, during the midnight premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises."

AMC Theatres released the following statement via Facebook following the shooting.

"AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie going is part of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core. We’re reinforcing our security procedures with our theatre teams, which we cannot discuss in detail for obvious, safety reasons. Local law enforcement agencies, our landlords and their and our local security teams are stepping up nationwide to ensure we provide the safest environment possible for our guests. We couldn’t be more grateful for their collective support. 

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At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change. We will not allow any guests into our theatres in costumes that make other guests feel uncomfortable and we will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our existing policy and do as our guests wish. We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these circumstances."

There are two AMC Theatre locations in Lawrenceville, one at Discover Mills Mall and the other on Duluth Highway.

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The Regal Medlock Crossing theater in the Duluth/Johns Creek area is also continuing to show "The Dark Knight Rises."

In response to an inquiry from Duluth Patch about security meaures, Russ Nunley, vice president of marketing and communications for Regal Entertainment Group, emailed the following statement:

"We are profoundly saddened by the tragedy that occurred at a Denver area theatre and are concerned for the victims and their families. The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number one priority. As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families."

Two off-duty uniform police officers are routinely stationed at the Regal in Johns Creek every weekend at the request of the theater, according to Rosemary Taylor, communications manager for the city of Johns Creek.

"The Dark Knight Rises," the latest installment in the new "Batman" series, is also showing at the Movie Tavern in Suwanee. Movie Tavern CEO John Hersker issued the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the turn of events in Aurora, CO, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The safety of our guests and employees is the top priority for Movie Tavern. At this time, we believe what happened in Aurora, Col. was an isolated incident, but we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust security measures as necessary. We send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families and the people of Aurora."


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