How Do I Ban Cell Phone Use in Theaters?

People expect respectful silence at the movies.

The easy way to ban cell phone use in theaters you attend is to carry a cell phone jamming device. Several companies sell these online for less than $500. They are illegal in the U.S., though, so here you will need to work a little harder. You could petition to have a "ban cell phone use in theaters" initiative added to your state's ballot. Enforcement would realistically be up to the personnel inside the theater, though. The owner of a private U.S. business can already ban cell phone use under his right to refuse service to disruptive customers in the interest of keeping other customers.

Instructions

1. 

   Most theater owners listen when money talks.

   Convince theater owners they will make more money if they ban cell phone use in their theaters. Show them the article that quotes Regal chief executive Michael Campbell saying he loses too many customers because of cell phone use. Explain that the competition bans cell phones, so they should, too. Get the theater owners to agree to refuse service to patrons who use cell phones in theaters.

2. 

   Owners may have to hire more authoritative theater employees.

   Help theater owners get training for their staff on escorting unrepentant cell-phone users off the premises. Utilize the local licensed security agencies as instructors. Confirm with law enforcement in each theater's jurisdiction to find out how much of this theater staff should do and when they should call police for assistance.

3. 

   Many theaters show slides before the previews start.

   Create signs and slides to inform theater-goers of the cell phone ban. Tell patrons to report to theater personnel any cell phone use they observe on the premises. Warn them that any cell phone use on the premises will mean they have to leave immediately without a refund.

Tips & Warnings

• Theater owners usually hire managers who will know how to contact them.

• Theater managers generally come in during business hours, not on the weekends or in the evenings.

• Theater owners might get accused of discrimination unless they apply the cell phone use ban to all customers, regardless of race, disability or other federally protected status.

References

• Federal Communications Commission: In the Matter of Phonejammer.com
• Legalzoom: The Right to Refuse Service: Can a Business Refuse Service to Someone Because of Appearance, Odor or Attitude?
• MSNBC: Theaters Arm Customers Against Cell Phones