Event Cinemas No Food or Drinks?

DEvok on 27/01/2015 - 02:05
Last edited 30/01/2015 - 02:03

As some of you may have realised that eventcinemas now have a strict newer policy of NO drinks or food that is to be taken into their cinemas unless purchased from their candy bar, That's not only for Gold Class, But all.

It used to be no hot food as it disturbs the audience, Then they started having their own hot food, "Burgers, Hot Dogs, The list goes on, And they won't allow you take anything of your own…

Also not to mention a few places that sell beverages have a movie deal like Pay only $20 for a drink+ movie ticket.
Eventcinemas are still having these partnership promos with other party's, Like Chatime, Gloria jeans, etc,
What is the point if you cannot take anything?
Don't you think this is ridiculous?

Entertainment

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Event Cinemas
Event Cinemas

Comments

  • Axelstrife on 27/01/2015 - 03:17
    +18

    In other news Hoyts has noticed a massive rise in customers they don't know why but they'll take it.
    lol

    event sucks big time i haven't been to them in a year at least.

    • hahaboy on 28/01/2015 - 18:27
      -1

      "CINEMAS suck big time i haven't been to them in a year at least."

      FTFY

      They are just a rip off, and there haven't been too many good movies worth seeing in the last year or two.

      • Axelstrife on 28/01/2015 - 18:47
        +4

        I only go as I get coke rewards hoyts movie vouchers lol.

      • johnno07 on 29/01/2015 - 15:03
        +2

        I've got to say, I do love going to the movies. Not because of the screen - screen size is totally irrelevant, you can get the same experience with your TV (you're just closer), but because of the SOUND. That dynamic surround sound you get from good acoustics in a big space is hard to recreate at home without a dedicated room. I also like supporting movies that deserve it by going to see it on the opening weekend (as I believe this is how they decide how long a movie is going to run). Plus I just plain old love movies.

        • happychappy1 on 29/01/2015 - 17:33
          +1

          Use decent headphones and the experience is remarkably similar, but without being too loud which most cinemas are. Depends on the soundtrack of your source really, but BluRay is quite good.

          I find I usually end up with a headache after going to the cinemas.

        • ilovepizza on 29/01/2015 - 18:28

          or just get a $800 projector like the benq w1070

          200" tv on your wall

        • johnno07 on 30/01/2015 - 12:38

          @happychappy1: Agreed - but headphones aren't really conducive to the social aspect of movie watching (i.e. watching with my significant other) that I also enjoy.

        • happychappy1 on 30/01/2015 - 12:43
          -1

          @johnno07: do something else that's actually more social. You can't actually talk in the cinema and watching a movie is largely an individual experience. If your goal was to be social while watching a film, just stay at home and watch it on your TV where no one cares if you talk and it's quiet enough to do so.

        • Tal_Shiar on 30/01/2015 - 16:24

          @happychappy1: wow, you must be fun at parties… part of the fun of the communal experience is talking about it then and there (at the right time). Also, I'm guessing you've never experienced some quality alone time with a significant other while in a new relationship?

        • happychappy1 on 30/01/2015 - 19:11

          @Tal_Shiar: I wouldn't call going to the movies 'quality alone time', considering the other people there. There are so many other better options than going to the movies - trust me - I've been there. You can't talk, might as well go do some interactive activities like dancing or ice skating or camping, all of which are much better options. At least you can talk about something in these situations. If you go for the dinner-and-a-movie date, then more than half your time is spent doing practically nothing and could be rather boring if the movie is no good. Plus don't forget about the fact that if you talk, you disturb the other patrons.

        • wako on 30/01/2015 - 19:22

          @ilovepizza:

          All ready on that ;)
          with rocking recliners Its more like gold class at home…

        • johnno07 on 30/01/2015 - 21:50

          @happychappy1: Don't tell me to "do something else". Different horses for different courses. I enjoy going to the movies with my girlfriend. We don't talk to each other during the movie obviously, but both get to experience it together and chat about it afterwards. If "doing practically nothing" with someone doesn't qualify as "quality alone time", I feel sorry for you that you don't have that. We do plenty of other things together, this is just one aspect of our relationship that we both enjoy.

      • arislan on 06/07/2015 - 16:23

        Its a social thing for me, going to the movies with work mates and then dinner and drinks later…. kinda hard to do that in a home setting especially when your colleagues don't stay near your area.

  • Schezwon on 27/01/2015 - 05:00
    +16

    I buy my tickets from Optus for $10 to use at Hoyts, have not been to Events Cinemas for a few years now. Don't like how they don't advertise the prices of the food and drinks at the cinemas.

    • JimmyF on 27/01/2015 - 22:49
      +6

      and hoyts does!? No food prices anywhere!

      • hahaboy on 28/01/2015 - 18:28
        +3

        That part of it is so frustrating. Let me make up my mind if i want to buy something from your overpriced snacks counter or just go get snacks from outside.

    • cheesecactus on 29/01/2015 - 13:07

      Same with my, except i use Telstra $10 (or is it $11 now) tickets at event. Always found event in innaloo much better than any hoyts.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 05:58
    +3

    Is there a link to this strict new policy?

    • WaterMark on 27/01/2015 - 14:51

      There is a sign upon entry to cinema when u hand the ticket. I was suprised right after I bought chatime:(

      • JimmyF on 27/01/2015 - 22:49
        +5

        Take your ticket back to the counter and ask for a refund due to policy changes.

        • WaterMark on 28/01/2015 - 07:30
          +13

          Too bad I got it under Telstra tix and wanted to watch hobbits. Just went back to the end of the line and put it behind my back lol

        • ronnknee on 28/01/2015 - 11:23
          +2

          I like that attitude.

  • cypher67 on 27/01/2015 - 07:15
    +14

    If they want to reach inside my pockets to check for my $3 maltesers I bought from Woolies and bottle of water I bought from home, they are more than welcome.

    • retiredfeline on 27/01/2015 - 10:47
      +40

      "Are those Maltesers in your pocket or are you just teasing?"

      • scrimshaw on 27/01/2015 - 11:05
        +15

        Nope, it's just my big long, shiny black

        chocolate covered liquorice bar.

        • derkyft on 27/01/2015 - 12:14
          +6

          with a creme filled surprise

        • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 15:40
          +3

          @derkyft:
          Maybe they are just hungry, offer them a bite!

        • silverrat23 on 29/01/2015 - 15:04
          -2

          A bigger, black…

          … Snickers Bar.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 07:50
    +7

    I eagerly await the day when cinemas become single booths. Big screens, reclining chairs, but loads of individual booths to hold up to maybe 2 or 3 people max. Ideally just 1 person. So I can watch my films in peace.

    Cinemas with no other people - cos they're the most annoying part of the movie-watching experience. Bring that policy in.

    /cranky-pants.

    • cypher67 on 27/01/2015 - 09:22
      +4

      That may just be the best idea I have heard in a while. I love taking my son to the movies, however seeing as its a kids movie and other kids dont sit their like mine, it makes it a very painful experience. Give me a 100" 4k TV in a small booth, with great sound and a very comfy chairs watching the latest movie in peace, priceless … actually $50 a booth max as Im cheap

      • Wallyt99 on 27/01/2015 - 22:51
        +28

        They actually invented this. Its called a lounge room.

        • tyler.durden on 28/01/2015 - 01:16
          +1

          but most don't have 100"

        • ProjectZero on 28/01/2015 - 09:50
          +3

          @tyler.durden:

          Most don't need 100" especially if you're only a meter away lol.

        • DarwinBoy on 28/01/2015 - 09:51

          @tyler.durden:
          give it 5 years or so and it will be the new norm

        • cypher67 on 28/01/2015 - 10:02

          I suppose the premium you pay for watched a latest movie, its like questioning why anyone goes to the movies when they can just go sit close to their home TV. Plus this solution would allow you to show up whenever you want as opposed to a set time & I know I havent watched a real 4k movie before.

        • tyler.durden on 28/01/2015 - 15:58
          +1

          @cypher67:

          plus no need to hold it in when you need to go to the toilet..just so you don't miss a crucial scene

    • SydStrand on 28/01/2015 - 17:05
      +1

      I eagerly await the day when cinemas become single booths. Big screens, reclining chairs, but loads of individual booths to hold up to maybe 2 or 3 people max. Ideally just 1 person. So I can watch my films in peace.

      You're describing a 'private booth,' the kind you'll find in half the adult bookstores on Sussex St. Cinemas won't adopt porn-style booths because teenagers would use them for sex, just like karaokes and empty movie sessions.

      • cheng2008 on 29/01/2015 - 14:35

        What happens in these booths exactly?

    • ozscharfschutze on 28/01/2015 - 22:28

      Like this?

    • Abaddon on 29/01/2015 - 09:31

      It'll come. You'll go to the cinema and they'll strap an Oculus Rift and a pair of noise cancelling headphones on you.

      Will probably look like the walls of pods in the Matrix.

  • GooseHoward on 27/01/2015 - 08:40
    +22

    I thought this was the policy at many cinemas. It's never stopped me sneaking food in in a bag/pockets.

    • Jay43 on 27/01/2015 - 09:27
      +8

      It's the policy at all major cinemas. No outside food or drink. It's been happening for 20 years but is only enforced if they see the food as you are going in.

      • JimmyF on 27/01/2015 - 22:51
        +3

        my local hoyts doesn't enforce it. Often I carry my 'coles' plastic bag of food in with me. If they try to stop me, then I'll be asking for my money back on the ticket.

      • mattacrazy on 28/01/2015 - 00:19

        None of the cinemas I go to care about plastic bags from the nearby shops which is great. Ticket + a drink and snack ends up less than $10 most of the time.

        • LincolnLenny on 28/01/2015 - 12:39
          +1

          Redbank Plains or Southbank? :P

    • Abaddon on 29/01/2015 - 09:34

      I'm pretty sure it's always been the rule. But they don't seem to check mostly.

      I might buy a popcorn from the cinema, but I'm always walking in with a $1 frozen coke in my other hand.

      Combo's are insane

  • Gunther on 27/01/2015 - 09:00
    +17

    Just trying to drive consumers to spend money on the extremely overpriced popcorn and softdrinks.

    Protip: get a handbag or a girlfriend with one.

    • Munki on 27/01/2015 - 10:28
      +12

      I'll second this. Get a girlfriend with a handbag and take her handbag and fill it with food. Just make sure you leave the girlfriend home if you want to actually focus on watching the movie.

    • scrimshaw on 27/01/2015 - 10:29
      +32

      Crossdress, bring your own handbag. No need for girlfriend and you can watch distraction free.

      • Tal_Shiar on 27/01/2015 - 10:35

        bring your own bag if your a man, i've never been stopped or checked and i've taken KFC into Crown Cinema's in Melbourne

        • Windows7forever on 28/01/2015 - 09:03
          +1

          Yeah. what's wrong with a manbag? I carry mine everywhere.

        • DarwinBoy on 28/01/2015 - 10:54
          +5

          @wolfenator87:
          "It's not a purse, it's a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one."

      • Munki on 27/01/2015 - 10:41
        +2

        Go to Bangkok.
        Undergo sex reassignment surgery
        Buy #allthehandbags
        Wear a dress
        Put food in handbag
        Take handbag to cinemas
        Profit

        • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 11:23
          +30

          Fondle new bewbs during remainder of movie…
          Profit!!

        • Munki on 27/01/2015 - 11:39
          +1

          @waterlogged turnip:

          Fondle new bewbs whenever you want
          Profit!!!!

        • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 11:40
          +14

          Go on dates, get guys to pay
          Profit

        • Munki on 27/01/2015 - 11:50
          +1

          Guys guys guys. I think we just discovered #thesecret.

        • johnno07 on 27/01/2015 - 13:22
          +3

          Go on "dates", get guys to pay to fondle bewbs
          Profit

        • scrimshaw on 27/01/2015 - 17:42
          +3

          @Munki:

          Go on "dates", get guys to pay to fondle bewbs

          Holy crap. Forget all about Ozbargain, I'm gonna go get some bewbs now.

        • ProjectZero on 28/01/2015 - 09:51
          +2

          You do realise you don't need to get a sex change to wear a dress…. just gotta look good in one ;P

  • Mistymoo on 27/01/2015 - 10:54
    -7

    Pfft, I take food into cinemas all the time. Often noodles or something hot. I can't eat the popcorn but I'll happily get my own chips or whatever from somewhere else as it's stupid expensive there. They've never given a crap but that's at Hoyts lol.

    • Gunther on 27/01/2015 - 10:55
      +27

      To be honest, hot food does really stink for other patrons

      • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 11:29
        +6

        I think I'd rather put up with quietly eaten stinky hot food than loud non-stinky non-hot food like crisps or the constant rustling of lolly packets. Crrrrrrrrrunch crunch crunch crunch.

        I have sensitive hearing :(

        • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 11:44
          +7

          Especially long drawn-out wrapper crinkling from someone painfully slowly trying to quietly unwrap/open something.
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZMgP2ai79Q

        • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 11:51

          @Thrift: LOL! That Mr Bean scene instantly came to mind before even clicking your link. YES. Perfect.

        • Ivan Krazy on 30/01/2015 - 20:42

          You probably wouldn't like me at work as I munch on celery sticks and carrots lol

        • [Deactivated] on 31/01/2015 - 07:05
          +1

          @Ivan Krazy: lol at work or anywhere else wouldn't bother me, but doing it in my ear while I'm enjoying a movie is gonna get you some death stares from me :P

        • Ivan Krazy on 31/01/2015 - 13:10

          @waterlogged turnip: not a worry, I'll bring them in the cinemas just for you ;p

      • zone on 27/01/2015 - 19:38
        +3

        I agree, someone was having Oporto, chips right in front of me while watching a movie the other day. Not only it was distracting, it stank as well. And honestly, people were getting annoyed but he wasn't giving a shit.

  • strikerzebra on 27/01/2015 - 10:55

    Just put the food in a shopping bag and they have no idea, problem solved, I always do it.

  • Ramrunner on 27/01/2015 - 13:37
    +2

    I always sneak food into cinemas and always will. It used to be I just didn't like paying more than 3x the price of Maltesers, but now that my daughter has Coeliacs there's actually pretty much nothing there she can eat, so I have no choice.

    All cinemas need to wake up or lose their customers. Last thing they need since taking a hit when Video Rental started, but now also movies on demand or (GULP!) piracy is alienating all people that still actually go to the cinemas to watch movies as soon as they come out.

    The old ways don't work any more. Go with the times. If you make things too difficult for patrons they will simply stop going.

  • Scrooge McDuck on 27/01/2015 - 13:50
    -2

    This policy is anti-competitive, I wonder what the ACCC thinks of it.

    • jelko on 27/01/2015 - 14:59
      +9

      The ACCC couldn't care less about cheap people who can't survive for 2 hours with eating or drinking.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/01/2015 - 21:12
        -2

        Uuuhhh, pretty sure that has nothing to do with what they care about.

    • Ughhh on 27/01/2015 - 21:23

      Can you provide a link from the ACCC regarding anti-competitive behaviour that this policy violates? I dont see anything that suggest this policy is illegal. Otherwise the ACCC will just think you're one goofy duck.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/01/2015 - 21:28
        -1

        Dude(tte) read my post again. I didn't say that it was illegal — I don't know if it is, I'd like to find out.

        But it is anti-competitive, that's a fact. They disallow outside food to protect sales of their exorbitantly priced food.

        • Ughhh on 27/01/2015 - 22:06

          "Certain business practices that limit or prevent competition are against the law." link
          Therefore if the policy was anti-competitive, it would be illegal.

          Eventcinemas competition are other cinemas like Hoyts, Readings Cinemas etc, is Event cinemas discouraging competition? If anything, they're kind of encouraging competition, if Hoyts suddenly officially states that outside food is ok, Hoyts will probably get most of the customers.

          My point is, I think your definition of 'anti competitive' does not apply here.

        • retiredfeline on 27/01/2015 - 22:19

          Anti competitive refers to collusion with other like businesses to drive up prices. This is not the case here. If anything a competing cinema chain that didn't impose such a condition would benefit.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 28/01/2015 - 01:26
          +2

          @JLove:

          Cinemas sell Maltesers, supermarkets sell Maltesers too. Therefore cinemas and supermarkets compete to sell Maltesers, amongst virtually every other food item that cinemas sell.

          However this policy protects cinema's sales of their exorbitantly priced food which is anti-competitive.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 28/01/2015 - 01:27
          +1

          @greenpossum:

          Collusion is not the only type of anti-competitive practice.

        • retiredfeline on 28/01/2015 - 01:31

          @Scrooge McDuck: The thing is you are not obliged to buy their food unlike collusion where the market is "cornered" by the wrongdoers. But since nothing we write will convince you, and talk in a forum is cheap, by all means contact the ACCC and let us know how you went. Best of luck.

        • Ughhh on 28/01/2015 - 01:39
          +2

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Do you go to a cinemas for the sole purpose of buying Maltesers/snacks/soft drinks? Is the main purpose of a cinema to show new movies or to be a supermarket? Supermarkets arent competitors of cinemas. Hoyts and Events are, Woolies and Coles are. Further more, the cinema is a private place, I dont see how it is illegal / anti-competitive to disallow outside food to be brought in. They not only have the right to disallow outside food, but also have the right to refuse customers in.
          You're still confused about what is classified as "anti-competitive", please educate via the ACCC link before making silly assumptions.

        • LincolnLenny on 28/01/2015 - 12:52
          +1

          @JLove:

          Probably a bad comparison but your point makes me thing of a servo.

          If a servo started saying you aren't allowed to use our fuel pumps if we've just seen you buy a $2 bag of chips from that woolworths and not our $5 bag. Okay so really bad comparison but imo similar situations even if very unrealistic

          I understand what you're saying but Scrooge appears to be making some valid points.

          please educate via the ACCC link before making silly assumptions.

          You've both made good points and for the record Scrooge wasn't in an uproar and making silly assumptions he simply made an inquisative statement. Try not to be such a douche

        • retiredfeline on 28/01/2015 - 13:52
          -1

          @LincolnLenny:

          If a servo started saying you aren't allowed to use our fuel pumps if we've just seen you buy a $2 bag of chips from that woolworths and not our $5 bag. Okay so really bad comparison but imo similar situations even if very unrealistic

          That hasn't happened so it's hypothetical. Also I think JLove has been reasonable in his responses.

        • Wallyt99 on 28/01/2015 - 20:20
          +1

          @JLove: you're overthinking it.

  • Ughhh on 27/01/2015 - 13:55
    +3

    I assume this ban is only on food purchased outside of the cinema? I thought it has always been like that (though it didn't stop me from using my bag). I think the ACCC will be fine with it, private property. How does this differ to food courts or restaurants disallowing people bringing outside food in?

  • OldBugger on 27/01/2015 - 14:22
    +3

    Slightly off topic but I went to an Event cinema recently, organised by the Russian festival. Everyone was either Russian or Ukrainian and not one of them had anything bought from the candy bar. Some parents handed out little sandwiches to their kids and I saw some others were pulling out dry crackers from their bags. But that was about it. Not a noise from any of them during the film.

    But in general, I have always just placed anything like that in the wife's handbag. Looks too weird for me to carry a bag and better she get the blame than me http://youtu.be/RcKiujL-s2U?t=1m8s

    • [Deactivated] on 27/01/2015 - 14:50
      +6

      and I saw some others were pulling out dry crackers from their bags…

      Am I the only one who thought that story was going to be about vodka?

      • retiredfeline on 27/01/2015 - 14:52
        +3

        I was half expecting the Russians and Ukrainians to come to blows over what's happening over there. Good to hear they were civilised.

    • errorius on 27/01/2015 - 16:37

      Off topic too. I went a couple of times with my wife to enjoy ballet in Sydney. And it looked like I walked into a cinema because most of the audience was chewing on something (candies, nuts, ice creams, etc.) throughout the whole concert. I was disgusted to be honest.
      Where I come from you don't need policies…

      • Wallyt99 on 27/01/2015 - 22:57
        +1

        No need for policies at the Ballet?! You must ave ad some good schoolin you ad.

  • YoungPrecise on 27/01/2015 - 15:20
    +4

    As a standard worker of a cinema complex, the reason such prices are ridiculous at these places are because that is where they make most of their profit.
    They make little to no money off tickets as the commission goes to the directors, writers etc.
    Personally I even buy food from Coles/Woolworths and if people ask, I allow them in to bring their own food because I believe the prices are crazy but I suppose that's just a business looking to survive in a dying market.

    • drdolphin on 28/01/2015 - 09:09

      The cinemas make 50% off each ticket sale, its not exactly "no money". The reason the food prices are so high is because they can set them high, and people don't have a lot of choice (especially if they enforce the no outside food rule). Much like the airport. They obviously have a higher profit margin with the food, but still make a heap off the ticket sales too.

      • Neckron666 on 28/01/2015 - 10:07
        +7

        Having worked in the cinema industry for quite a few years before moving to Australia I can attest to the following:

        Movie companies require a different cut of profits depending on the film. When I was working "Star Wars Phantom Menace" required a cut of 80% of ticket sales. In the case of a movie like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers they just asked for a flat $7000 fee for the movie (and we didnt have to return it like we did with other films)

        Basically the cost recouped from the movie tickets goes to Electricity (huge money due to Xenon lamps), Staffing and maintenance. This takes up almost all of the ticket sales money. All profit for a cinema chain comes from the Candy Bar, by not purchasing food at their inflated prices you reduce their profitability and in the case of some small chains prevent them at operating at a profit.

        Knowing this I will almost always buy Popcorn or Icecream to try and support the cinema. If i want something they don't sell then I see no reason to why I cannot bring it in although I do agree with the distraction created by hot food.

        • lisss on 30/01/2015 - 19:28
          +2

          At the smaller cinemas, I find candy bar prices to be a lot more reasonable so I always buy. Now I'll feel good about supporting them too :) $3.50 for a delicious choc top at my local independent vs $4.90 at the local Event cinemas for an inferior choc top.

    • victorhooi on 08/06/2015 - 10:43

      Err, sorry, but do you have any facts to back this up?

      Here is the half-year annual report for AHL, which is one of the majority owners in Event Cinemas/Greater Union:

      https://www.ahl.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/HY-2014-Fi…

      Page 5 - Review of Operations - Entertainment:

      The normalised profit before interest and income tax expense was $24,810,000 or 9.4% below the prior comparable half year. The
      result was predominately impacted by a 2.5% fall in box office, reflecting a reduction in admissions and 3D content, and less screen
      advertising revenue.

      Mate, their profit was $24.8 million - that's not revenue, that's profit - that's not exactly chop change. Oh, and that's over 6 months, not a year.

      Also - the reason they're doing this is pretty obvious:

      Merchandising revenue spend per admission experienced positive growth over the prior comparable half year across both Gold Class
      and Scoop Alley Candy Bars. The increased mechandising revenue, together with an increased cost focus and implementation of
      tight cost controls over the cost of goods sold, assisted in marginally offsetting the box office and screen advertising impact.

      People aren't going to the cinemas as much, they're losing advertising revenue, so they're looking at boosting that up with more candy bar sales (and longer ads, I suppose - 20 minutes of ads, jeez).

  • phynnd on 27/01/2015 - 15:57
    +1

    I brought Chatime last week to Events George Street and they didn't allow me to enter.
    Then, I just put it into my bag, problem solved.

    • ProjectZero on 28/01/2015 - 10:00

      Maybe you should have bought from the easyway that was inside the Events George Street building lol…

      Wonder if they will let you in with it… I mean it is right there, and it's not like they offer those kinds of drinks.

      • phynnd on 28/01/2015 - 14:52

        Yes, there is no more Easyway inside Events George Street building, it is replaced by Chatime now

        • ProjectZero on 28/01/2015 - 14:53

          lol… I haven't been to the city in a very long time…

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