Does 'No Outside Food' Discriminate Against People With Food Allergies?

Domenica is gluten intolerant, and there are a number of other foods she can’t eat as well. During a recent visit to the movies, she was caught bringing in outside food and argued with the manager. There isn’t anything available at the concession stand that she can eat without becoming ill. Sure, a private business can set their own rules. But is it discriminatory? In spite of what theater owners might tell you, buying snacks at the cinema isn’t mandatory, and no one’s going to go hungry after a few hours.

I visited [redacted] to watch a movie with my husband, like we always do every Tuesday. I have a very specific diet, I am allergic to gluten and other foods and am unable to purchase the food sold at the movie theater.

I was trying to bring outside food into the theater and I was told that I would not be able to enter. I spoke to the manager and told him my situation and I stressed that I am unable to eat the food that they sell and he preceded to tell me that its unfair, yes he knows, but I can’t enter with the food and that’s all.

I was discriminated against because I am different then the other movie goers. I was made to feel less worthy of participating in the activities that the rest of the patrons of [redacted] get to enjoy. Due to the difficulties I have digesting the food at [redacted] movie theaters I had to choose between eating or watching a movie, a choice that the other people who go watch movies are not forced to make.


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