Is it illegal to sneak snacks, drinks or booze into a WA movie theater? What to know

Listen, we know movie ticket prices have gone up. If the increase has dipped into your theater snacks budget, you may find yourself in a dilemma.

When you’re at the movie theater, you have to have a snack.

Popcorn, cookie dough bites, or even some nachos. And then, you’ll want a drink, so maybe a good soda or alcoholic beverage.

But by the end of it, you’ve spent your whole paycheck on a movie night.

So, what happens if you just sneak some outside food and drinks in with you? Will anyone even notice? And what can they do about it if they do catch you? Here’s what to know.

Can you get arrested for sneaking food or booze into a WA movie theater?

The short answer: probably not, but it could happen. It’s not illegal, but it’s against most theater policies.

Several theaters in Washington, including AMC, Regal and Cinemark, have policies that prohibit outside food and drinks. So, chances are, if you’re caught with something in your purse or under your jacket, you’ll be asked to dump it or leave.

However, if you are a repeat offender, you could be banned from the movie theater altogether, especially if you are confrontational or cause a scene.

If you’re kicked out or banned and refuse to leave, that’s when you could run into Washington’s trespassing law . State law defines trespassing to include anyone who “remains unlawfully in a building,” and considers it to be a misdemeanor.

Another potential source of legal trouble is Washington’s public drinking law . According to state law, it’s illegal to drink liquor in a public place. The state’s definition of “public place” includes theaters that are “open to and are generally used by the public,” but they must also allow the public “unrestricted access” in order to fall under the definition. So while it’s not the best idea to drink in an open movie theater lobby, a closed theater with ticket-only access is allowed in the state.

It’s also possible, but rare, that a theater could impose a fine if you’re caught with outside food in order to discourage the practice and make up for lost concession revenue.