Talkers, Tweeters and Texters to be Evicted from New Concept Cinema

Talkers, Tweeters and Texters interrupting your movie could be a thing of the past as cinema giant Hoyts adopts a “no disturbance” policy at a new style of theatre.

The initiative will be tested at the company’s Waikato ‘Metro by Hoyts’ cinema and if successful may be expanded nationwide.

Under the new scheme, latecomers will not be allowed into theatres once the main feature has started, and noisy moviegoers will be asked to leave, along with those who use their phones to talk, text or tweet during a film.

Hoyts General Manager of Operations, Matthew Garelli, says the initiative responds to customer feedback that some Kiwis are being disruptive during film screenings.

Garelli says the new policy is driven by the company’s commitment to delivering a high quality movie experience.

“By taking a harder line on those who are disruptive in the cinema, we will be able to enhance New Zealanders’ experience in our theatres. Our aim is to provide families and friends with a relaxing and uninterrupted time-out as they enjoy their favourite films,” he says.

“Hamilton’s growing population makes the city the perfect place to open a prototype cinema. If this new policy is effective, we will consider toughening up our monitoring of customer behaviour in cinemas across NZ.”

Garelli says the cinema will also provide a renewed focus on the in-movie culinary experience.

“In order to make a night out at the movies a complete experience we’ve provided an increased food offering. In line with the American theme, our new cinema offers a diner-style menu of gourmet hot dogs, chilli fries, nachos, beer and wine, along with the traditional candy bars snacks.”

For more information visit: www.hoyts.co.nz