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21 July 2012| last updated at 10:06AM

US theater chain bans masks, fake guns after shooting



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LOS ANGELES: A major US cinema chain announced Friday a ban on face masks and fake weapons in its theaters, following the massacre at a Batman film screening in Colorado that left at least 12 people dead.

 

In a statement hours after the horrific shootings in Aurora, Colorado, AMC  said it would also not allow costumes that might make other filmgoers 
“uncomfortable,” in a move to give them “as much peace of mind as possible.”    “AMC Theatres is deeply saddened by the Aurora tragedy. Movie-going is part  of our social fabric and this senseless act shakes us to our core,” it said,  announcing that it was reinforcing security procedures generally.
 
“At this time, our show schedules circuit-wide will not change,” AMC said,  but added: “We will not allow any guests into our theaters in costumes that  make other guests feel uncomfortable.
 
“We will not permit face-covering masks or fake weapons inside our  buildings. If guests wish to exchange or refund any tickets, we will honor our  existing policy and do as our guests wish,” it said.
 
“We are taking necessary precautions to ensure our guests who wish to enjoy  a movie this weekend can do so with as much peace of mind as possible in these  circumstances.”    A gunman identified as James Holmes, 24, was arrested after opening fire at  a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” at a Century cinema in Aurora,  Colorado.
 
He was dressed all in black, including body armor and a helmet and gas  mask, police said, apparently to protect him against tear gas-type grenades he  detonated before beginning to shoot.
 
Kansas City, Missouri-based AMC Theatres has more than 300 cinemas across  the country.
 
Century Theatres, whose Aurora multiplex was sealed off after the overnight  massacre, is part of the Cinemark chain, which has nearly 300 cinemas with some  3,900 screens in 39 states. 
 
Century Theatres did not immediately respond to a request for comment on  changes in security measures following the shootings. -- AFP
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