Here’s what Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and Showcase have to say about bringing your own snacks and drinks
A trip to the cinema remains a popular pastime for many people, offering the perfect opportunity to escape reality and lose yourself in a different realm. It’s particularly convenient in Britain, where the unpredictable weather frequently rules out many outdoor activities.
Cinema tickets often come with various deals depending on your preferred viewing time, plus subscription services that include discounted film access. This means a journey to the pictures can be both budget-friendly and entertaining.
For those keen to save even more money, you might wonder whether bringing your own refreshments is permitted, as this typically costs far less than purchasing popcorn and other treats from the lobby. It’s widely assumed this isn’t allowed, with many of us having secretly “smuggled” food and beverages into screenings previously.
However, this isn’t usually the case. Every cinema chain operates its own policies regarding patrons bringing in snacks and drinks, and here’s what Vue, Odeon, Cineworld and Showcase have to say on the matter.
Vue
Vue operates 92 cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland. According to its website, customers cannot bring any hot meals or alcoholic beverages onto the premises.
Vue stocks popcorn, nachos, milkshakes, and numerous other refreshments and drinks, though you’re welcome to bring your own alternatives. Its website states: “Feel free to bring your own food and drink with you, but leave the hot food and alcohol at home”.
Odeon
Similar to Vue, Odeon also allows viewers to bring their own refreshments, though certain restrictions are in place. Odeon guidance on its website states: “We have a fantastic range of cinema classics like popcorn, hot dogs and our famous nachos available to buy in cinema, but we do allow guests to bring in their own snacks and drinks.”
That said, cinema-goers are prohibited from bringing heated meals, “pungent” food, and alcoholic beverages. Further instructions add: “If you’re unsure, please ask any member of our team in cinema who will be happy to advise you. Please be advised the Odeon Islington Luxe and Dine does not allow you to take your own food.”
Cineworld
Much like the cinema operators mentioned above, Cineworld confirms that customers may bring their own refreshments. However, part of the “terms of entry” on its website states: “Cineworld have a strict no externally purchased hot food or alcohol policy, and we reserve the right to refuse customers entry into the screens with hot food or alcohol bought outside the premises.
“We offer a wide range of drinks and snacks for you to enjoy when watching our movies, including cinema favourites such as popcorn, hot dogs and nachos.”
Showcase
Showcase’s position regarding individuals bringing their own refreshments is equally transparent on its website, which reads: “We do not allow guests to bring hot food, alcoholic beverages and drinks in glass containers into our buildings.
“We reserve the right to refuse admission.”
